The Wreck of the OspreyY.
Thad, it was agreed, should remain a month longer with his Uncle Walter
at Cedar Keys before joining his parents, sister and cousin at Oakdale.
Mrs. Leigh's parting words to her brother was a tearful request that he
would take good care of her only son, and send him safely home to them
by the latter part of June, or the first of July, at the latest--a
request, of course, which Mr. Herdic solemnly promised to bear in mind;
for, however unfortunate he had been in his guardianship of girls, he
felt quite sure he could manage boys to his own satisfaction and that of
their mothers, and not only keep them out of mischief and danger, but
teach them at the same time something useful and proper for them to
know.
So, one fine morning, two days after bidding his sister and her family
good-by, Uncle Walter, with his handsome nephew, Thaddeus, and sturdy
little Phil, set sail for Key West and the sponging-grounds, it being
their purpose to take passage to the latter place on some one of the
numerous fishing-crafts that were constantly passing to and fro between
Key West and the scene of the hardy sponge-gatherers' daily toil.
The steamer Osprey was not a very fast sailer, but she was staunch and
trim, with fairly good cabin accommodations for a vessel of her size and
build.
Mr. Herdic and his nephew had state-rooms on deck, while Phil's was
below; but he rarely occupied it, for he did not much like such close,
hot, dark quarters, when there was plenty of fresh air, light and space
to turn around in above.
The morning of the second day out was unusually sultry, even for that
tropical latitude. There was not a breath of wind, nor a ripple on the
surface of the sea, but toward noon a breeze sprung up, which, before
dark, threatened to become a hurricane.
Rain squalls were frequent, and vivid flashes of lightning and deafening
peals of thunder added to the wild uproar of the elements, and sent
Thad, trembling with fear, to his state-room, which he wished for the
time being was below, and not so uncomfortably near the straining and
creaking mast.
But Phil really enjoyed it, and sat on the capstan, watching two
grizzled old sailors heave the lead with unmoved interest.
"By the deep nine," sang out the elder of the two seamen, as he reeled
in his line and took a weather-wise look over his shoulder.
"Just so," said Mr. Moore, the short, red-whiskered mate of the Osprey,
who stood by the skylight, with his lantern under his arm, carefully
directing the business of taking soundings. "We ought to make Largo
Light in an hour, if she keeps on at this rate."
"Aye, aye, sir! But it's a rough night for knowing just where we are, or
the rate of speed she's making," responded the sailor, as he went
forward, followed by his companion, both drenched to the skin, and their
gray beards and brown faces wet with the pelting rain.
The cargo of the Osprey was of a decidedly mixed character, consisting
mainly of cotton bales, coffee, "canned goods," small merchandise, and,
among the rest, a lot of cattle, a dozen or more horses and two mules,
which set up such a braying, bellowing and neighing, as the storm
increased in violence, and the ship began to roll heavily in the trough
of the sea, that the din raised was appalling, added to the wild
shrieking of the wind through the cordage and the rush and roar of the
towering waves.
Besides Mr. Herdic and the two boys, there was only one other passenger
on board the Osprey--a small, middle aged man, evidently of Spanish
descent, dark, clean-shaven, nervous, and not remarkable for either
sociability or good manners.
His name was Paul Casimer, his destination Havana, by the way of Key
West, and his wealth--if rumor was to be relied upon--considerable.
Officers, passengers and crew, all told, were just nineteen souls,
counting the colored cook and cabin boy, the former of whom was
especially liked by Phil, for he was a good-natured fellow, with the
thickest lips, the kinkiest wool, and the biggest white, rolling eyes
that Phil had yet come across in all his Florida wanderings.
The mate still stood by the skylight, with the lantern in his hand, when
Paul Casimer made his appearance on deck, wearing a long sea-coat that
reached to his heels, and with a slouch hat drawn low over his eyes and
violently pulled down at the back, to keep out the weather.
"A rough night, Mr. Moore," he said, rather crabbedly. "What are our
soundings?"
"Nine fathoms," answered the mate, with no very evident desire to be
communicative.
"And little enough it is, too!" grumbled Mr. Casimer. "We will be on the
reefs the first you know, if you keep her going at this rate--twelve or
fourteen knots an hour, and the wind tight after us."
Mr. Moore made no reply, and when he had made two or three turns of the
deck, with every appearance of having very little confidence in either
his legs or his stomach, Mr. Casimer sullenly retired, and Phil and the
mate were again alone.
"Our friend, Don Casimer, seems to have a rather ugly twist in his
temper to-night," laughed the mate, as soon as the object of his remarks
had disappeared. "If a shark were to dine off him, it would not much
matter, for he's the sort of a fellow that hates himself and everybody
else. He's in the Cuba trade, and thinks-- Eh, by George, boy, look out,
or you'll be overboard! That was a thumper, and no mistake!"
The tremendous wave that struck the ship, and jerked the word of caution
from the mate's lips, threw Phil violently against the nettings,
deluging the deck and sending a shower of blinding salt spray as high as
the smoke-stack.
Phil righted with the ship--that is, he scrambled to his feet and shook
the brine from his eyes, as soon as the gallant little steamer got her
propeller again in the water, and had settled herself for another
shock.
"I should say it was a thumper!" gasped Phil. "It seemed to walk on
board and grab at everything within its reach. It's got my hat, and
would have got me, if I had not clung for dear life to the nettings."
"It's a way these heavy cross-seas have of introducing themselves,
lashed by such a wind as is blowing now," said Mr. Moore. "I think you
must have been cut out for a sailor, you take so kindly to the rough
side of a sailor's life."
"Oh, I don't know!" replied Phil, diffidently. "I like the sea. I
haven't seen much of it, but what I have seen has been pretty rough--an
experience that I'd not like to live over again."
He thought of Lelia, and the time they were adrift together in the
little pleasure-boat; of their awful landing in the cold, gray dawn of
the early morning, on that strange, lonely coast; of their subsequent
wanderings, hungry and weary in the swamp--but this was so different!
He was on board a stout steamer, commanded by good, capable officers,
and really had no fear as to the vessel's safety, though it was blowing
a hurricane, and the locality a particularly dangerous one.
While these reflections were passing through Phil's mind, Captain
Barrett, a coast-skipper of the old-time sort, approached them, his
rubber storm-suit glistening in the weird light of the lantern he
carried, his weather-beaten face wearing an anxious expression, and his
brows closely knit in a searching look leeward.
"It's so confounded dark, and the mist and drizzle so thick, one can't
see the ship's bows; but we ought to make Largo Light soon, if I am not
far out in my reckoning. But you can't tell, in these chop seas, where
you are. The wind drives you ahead and the current pulls you back, and
the first thing you know you're on the rocks, and the deuce and all to
pay," remarked the captain, his sharp, gray eyes still searching the
rainy darkness. "I estimate our speed at fourteen knots--what say you,
Mr. Moore?"
"Not so much. Twelve knots, I think a fair calculation."
"Then we must be not far from Devil's Rock," said the captain,
thoughtfully. "According to my reckoning, we should have passed it an
hour ago; and the Devil's Rock it will prove, indeed, if we are so
unlucky as to strike it such a night as this."
Phil, who was near enough to hear every word of the above conversation,
began to feel a little alarmed, in spite of himself.
It was past midnight, the waves rolling mountains high and the ship
laboring heavily. He wondered if Mr. Herdic knew how hard it was
blowing, and, if he did, how it was possible for him to lie calmly in
his berth and listen, undisturbed, to the tumult raging on every hand
around him.
"A light!" shouted the lookout, from the maintop.
"Where away?" cried the captain.
"Broad on our weather-beam."
"Right you are!" was the quick response, just as there loomed through
the darkness a lurid red light, like the eye of some huge sea-monster,
that had reared its head above the boiling waves for a momentary view of
the wild scene.
"That must be Largo Light," said the mate, somewhat doubtfully.
"Yes," replied the captain, with a look of great relief. "Now we know
where we are, though it's not often I am so far out in my reckoning.
Tell Mr. Rolf to keep her close to the wind, and I'll go forward and
take a look at the chart."
So saying, Captain Barrett went away to his cabin to consult his charts,
while the mate hurried to give his instructions to the man at the wheel.
An hour passed--an hour of darkness, storm and gloom.
Phil was beginning to feel very chilly in his wet clothes and started to
go below, when the ship suddenly seemed to rise in the middle and then
pitch forward again, with a dull, grating sound, the meaning of which he
knew only too well.
"Breakers!" shouted the voice of the mate, from somewhere near the
companion-way. "We are on the reef!"
As he spoke the red light went out, as if swallowed up by the angry sea,
and then they knew the nature of the false beacon that had lured them on
to destruction.
Phil was making his way as fast as he could to Mr. Herdic's state-room,
when that gentleman himself appeared on deck, with Thad, half-dressed
and in a terrible state of excitement, following him.
"What is it?" cried Uncle Walter. "What has happened?"
"The ship has struck! The infernal wreckers, with their misleading false
lights, have brought us on the rocks," replied Captain Barrett, who
stood near, perfectly calm in the midst of the indescribable confusion
and the wild howlings of the storm. "Lower the life-boats, Mr. Moore,
and God be our trust, for it's every man for himself now; but steady!
Life is life, and he who saves his must be brave, cool and
stout-hearted. The rockets, boatswain. It may seem a vain hope, but help
may be nearer than we think."
Two boats were lowered, but who got into them, or what became of them,
Phil did not know. In far less time than it takes to relate it, he had
pulled off his coat, vest and boots, put on a life-preserver and stood
heroically awaiting his fate, whatever it might be.
He was pretty badly scared--there is no denying that--and he felt a
little weak in the knees; but when the struggle came, and the battle
waged was for life, he felt quite certain of making as brave a fight as
anybody.
"Good-by, Mr. Herdic!" he said, extending his hand. "It's a chance if we
live to see each other again."
"Good-by!" replied Mr. Herdic, in a choked voice; "and God be with and
care for you, my dear boy."
Thad's deathly pale lips tried to form some intelligible sound, but
failed, and, with a kind of dumb entreaty, he put his arms around Phil's
neck, and dropped his head despairingly on the other's shoulder.
"Lelia did better than this," thought Phil, but he was too generous to
say so, and when Thad sobbed out, "Will you stay by me, Phil?" he
answered, quickly, "Yes, I will, upon my honor!"
In that moment of supreme peril, Thad seemed to prefer the help and
protection of his brave young enemy to that of his uncle--strong man and
good swimmer as was the latter.
The boom of a minute gun rang out above the roar of the tempest, and a
second after a rocket went whizzing into the inky blackness, to burst
into a shower of blue fire and fall hissing into the sea.
Another and another followed in quick succession; then came a mighty
crash. The mast went by the board, carrying with it four sailors who had
sought safety in the rigging.
The vessel broached to, lying broadside on the reef, the waves making a
complete breach over her, and leaving her at the merciless sea. Thad
uttered an unearthly shriek, and clung to Phil, who, in turn, clung to
the iron grating of the companion-way. The cook had secured a mattress,
the cabin-boy a door, and Mr. Herdic--but Mr. Herdic was gone; so, too,
was Don Casimer, the captain, and Mr. Rolf.
The doomed steamer broke in two amidships, and all her upper works
floated off, with such of her crew and passengers as had not already
been engulfed in the pitiless flood.
The harsh rending asunder of strongly-riveted iron-plates, the surge and
jar and strain of breaking timbers, was the last sound Phil was
conscious of before he found himself thrown bodily into the sea, with
Thad held in such a way in his arms as to keep the poor boy from
grasping his neck, in his frantic struggles to keep his head above the
waves.
Phil was stunned, breathless, half-strangled, bruised and beaten by he
did not know what; everything, it seemed to him--dead and drowning
bodies of men and cattle, boxes, furniture, spars, cotton-bales, pieces
of the wreck of every conceivable kind and shape, trunks and sea-chests.
A portion of the saloon cabin floated within his reach; Phil clutched
it, but the succeeding wave tore it from his grasp, and he went down,
down, down to an awful depth.
The roaring in his ears was maddening; his brain felt as if it were on
fire. How long did it take one to drown? Was there no end to the agony?
But Phil came up again, and so did a Florida steer right under him,
kicking, bellowing and plunging in its convulsive death-throes, like
some dying leviathan of the deep.
Phil did not get out of its way, for he could not; but, just as the
animal was rolling upon him, a great wave lifted him high on its
foam-white crest and hurled him against a cotton-bale.
He caught hold of it with the desperate strength of one fighting for
life, and held on with might and main. His companion, if not dead, was
utterly unconscious, for when Phil called to him he did not answer, and
lay a limp, lifeless weight on his shoulder.
The gale appeared to be subsiding, for the cotton bale became more
steady, and the rain had ceased to fall some time before.
The clouds broke away at last, and in the speck of blue peeped out a
star. Yet the swells were terrific, and carried them onward with fearful
velocity--where, only the All-seeing knew--and when the dawn appeared in
the east, exhausted, chilled to the heart, bruised and nearly naked,
Phil and his insensible companion were flung ashore like two poor
fragments of stranded sea-weed. He had just strength enough left to
crawl up out of reach of the breakers, and that was all.
His grip on Thad's arm had not relaxed for a single second since the
time he seized it at the moment of the ship's final going to pieces. His
fingers seemed to have stiffened around it, and it was only by a sharp
effort that he was able to force them away.
"Well, dead or alive," he murmured, "I stuck by him, as I said, upon my
word and honor, I would! Thad! you can't speak? Then over you go!"
And Thad might have been a barrel by the way Phil rolled him about and
shook him up.
"Thad!"
This time, Phil got an answer--if a groan can be called such--and it
encouraged him mightily.
"You are coming to?"
Another groan.
"You feel better?"
"Yes," with ghastly faintness.
"Any bones broken?"
"No-o; I can't tell. Where are we?"
The very question Lelia had asked him on a like terrible occasion.
"That's more than I know."
It was now broad daylight.
Phil looked around him, and his countenance fell. They were on a barren
rock in the Gulf Stream.
[TO BE CONTINUED.]
* * * * *
PUZZLEDOM.
*No. 613.*
Original contributions solicited from _all_. Puzzles containing obsolete
words will be received. Write contributions on one side of the paper,
and apart from all communications. Address "Puzzle Editor," GOLDEN DAYS,
Philadelphia, Pa.
ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES
No. 1. Knee-pen-the (Nepenthe).
No. 2.
V
A F
V A N I L L A
F I N E E R
L E G E R
L E E W A Y
A R R A Y E R
Y E
R
No. 3. This--'tis.
No. 4.
L I T H A N T H R A X
T R A C E R I E S
I R O N I S T
P R I E S
N A R
S
No. 5. Water-melon.
No. 6.
C H A R I V A R I
H E B E T A T E
A B I L E N E
R E L U M E
I T E M S
V A N E
A T E
R E
I
No. 7. Isinglass.
No. 8.
P
O O
A S L R L S A
R I I I I R
T G O G T
I I N N I I
C N S E S N C
T T
E
No. 9. Alco-ran.
No. 10.
R A B
R E F E R
R U M O R E D
R E M O R A T E S
A F O R E T I M E
B E R A T T L E S
R E T I L E S
D E M E S
S E S
No. 11. Con-cent-rate.
No. 12.
M
G A L
S A L I S
S A L I N E S
G A L I N G A L E
M A L I N G E R I N G
L I N G E R I N G
S E A R I N G
S L I N G
E N G
G
NEW PUZZLES.
No. 1. CLASSICAL CHARADE.
(_By sound_.)
"One more last glorious day for him,"
Says the king of the blessed gods.
And he looked with love on the warrior grim,
While the world shakes as he nods.
And well the hero fought that day
Around the god-built wall--
Fought as a tigress fights at bay,
Roused by her young whelps' call.
His brazen mail on his broad breast rang,
As before the host he came;
When there, through the foeman's _first all_ sprang
Like a lurid tongue of flame.
But no mortal hands could have saved the town,
Or averted the fatal hour:
And from glory's fair ambrosial crown
Death _last_ that brightest flower.
_Iowa City, Iowa._ Irish Foreman.
No. 2. INVERTED PYRAMID.
_Across:_ 1. Tending to recede from the centre. 2. Hernias of the thigh.
3. A little volume (_Rare_). 4. A kind of woolen cloth. 5. Musical
syllable. 6. A letter.
_Down_: 1. A letter. 2. A type measure. 3. A snare. 4. An old woman. 5.
A species of silk fabric. 6. One who deals in ice. 7. A genus of
quadrupeds. 8. Mexican trees. 9. To become. 10. A Roman weight. 11. A
letter.
_Newark, N.J._ Joe Hootey.
No. 3. RIDDLE.
When I was young, my parent old
I bore within my circling arms;
When I grew fat
I wore no hat.
But being old and pale and thin,
I wear a dainty, golden brim.
_Madison, Wis._ C. Ash.
No. 4. DIAMOND.
1. A letter. 2. A rod used by masons. 3. To hinder. 4. Patched (_Obs._)
5. Those who accomplish. 6. Nuptial. 7. Benzoinated (_Dunglison._)
8. To cut deeper. 9. To suffer. 10. Bad. 11. A letter.
_Washington, D.C._ Eugene.
No. 5. APHERESIS.
Sweetheart, good-by!
How quickly to _two_ loving hearts
The _ones_ seem to fly;
Though all unseen, time fast departs,
And, sweetheart, I
Must kiss thee once before I go,
And say good-by!
Sweetheart, good-by!
Oh, love, thy cheeks with tears are wet,
You sadly sigh
That I--I may thee soon forget;
Love, I reply
By kissing such foolish doubts away,
And then good-by!
Sweetheart, good-by!
One last look at thy fair, sweet face--
Nay, do not cry--
One lingering kiss, one sweet embrace.
Then, sweetheart, I
Must part with thee for one long day--
Sweetheart, good-by!
_Washington, D.C._ Guidon.
No. 6. PENTAGON.
1. A letter. 2. A boy. 3. Put in tune. 4. Certain candlesticks.
5. Yellow dyeing matters. 6. Mocking. 7. One made a citizen. 8. Parts.
9. Faculty by which external objects are perceived.
_Cincinnati, Ohio._ Green Wood.
No. 7. CHARADE.
(_By sound_.)
"I've cut my _one_! I've cut my _one_!"
Cried Mrs. Murphy's eldest son:
He nursed the _one_ and hopped about--
His mother from the house ran out;
"Oh, _two_ the blissid saint presarve!"
The frightened widow cried;
"My darlin' b'y how did ye carve
Your _last_ so deep and wide?"
"Oh, mother dear! I came out here
To hoe the _totals_ without fear;
But fortune frowns against your son--
His hoeing for this day is done."
_Mexico, Mo._ Wanderoo.
No. 8. HALF SQUARE.
1. Makes lawful. 2. Active principles of elaterium. 3. Followers of
Galen. 4. Repeats. 5. States of holding the best and third best cards
(_Whist_). 6. Certain minerals. 7. Costs. 8. Certain insects. 9. A river
of Mongolia. 10. A plural affix. 11. A letter.
_Jefferson, O._ Majolica.
No. 9. ENIGMA.
I'm first in the alehouse and third at the dram,
In midst of the breakfast, dividing the ham;
I'm first in the army, second in battle,
Unknown to the child, I'm found in his rattle;
I'm found in all waters, but never in wells;
I'm mixed up with witchcraft, but never in spells;
On lassies and ladies I wait all their lives,
But quit them the moment they call themselves wives;
Though strange contradictions in tales may be carried,
Where virtue prevails, I am found with the married;
With the grave and the gay I number my days,
I mix in their prayers and join in their praise;
I'm never in liquor--but once in the year,
Then with statesmen and gamblers and rakes I appear;
I'm not in this world, I'm not in the next,
But in the old saying, "between and betwixt;"
I mount with the atmosphere, taking the lead;
I visit the grave and am found with the dead;
I'm ancient as Noah, was first in the ark;
Unseen in the light, yet, I shine in the dark;
I shall last with the earth, with nature and man,
I was sketched with the draft and was found in the plan;
When nature and earth from existence are driven,
The angels will guard me eternal in heaven.
------ A Lady Reader.
No. 10. NEWARK ICOSAHEDRON.
1. To rest. 2. Small pieces of artillery (_Rare_). 3. Fixed deeply.
4. The girdle of a Jewish priest. 5. A constellation of the zodiac.
6. A long cloak extending from head to feet, worn by women. 7. To
counterfeit. 8. A genus of lamellibranchiate bivalves. 9. A state of
quiet or tranquility. 10. To throw back. 11. A sixpence. 12. Restrains.
13. A cave.
_Stone, Ala._ R.E. Porter.
No. 11. CHARADE.
Nothing purer than the _first_ was ever seen,
Or more lovely, colder, brighter, e'er I ween;
If you make a _second_ of me, surely then
With practice you might hit a dozen men;
Lo! _total_, with its leaves of darkest green,
In some gardens, in summer, may be seen.
_Washington, D.C._ Waldemar.
-> Answers will appear in our next issue; solvers in six weeks.
SOLVERS.
Puzzles in *Puzzledom No. DCVII* were correctly solved by Stocles,
Helio, Carl, O.B.J., J. O'King, Rosalind, Charles Goodwin, Khaftan,
Legs, Joe-de-Joe, Marcellus, Hercules, Spider, Romulus, Dovey, Theo
Logy and Fred. E. Rick, Night, Windsor Boy, Claude Hopper, Janet, Goldey
and Pen Ledcil, Stanna, Addie Shun, Osceola, Flora Nightingale, Katie
O'Neill, Willie Wimple, Pantagrapher, Weesie, Lowell, May Le Hosmer and
Magnolia, Horace, Carrie Wilmer, Green Wood, Mary McK., John Watson,
Mary Roland, Rose Bourne, B. Gonia, Theresa, Brom Bones, Brig,
Herbie C., Cartoon, Dorio, Little Nell, R.E. Flect, Mary Pollard,
M.E.T., Joe King, Conpay, Eben E. Wood, Parus, Olive, V.I. Olin,
Irish Foreman, L'Allegro, Jejune, Tam O'Shanter and Beta.
Complete List.--Stocles.
QUEER WRINKLES.
--The progress of the fall season is measured by the golden-rod.
--Said an absent-minded school-teacher:
"I hear a quiet noise in the right-hand corner of the room. I know very
well who the guilty party is, but I will not mention his name. It is
Tommy Jones."
--You can hail a street car, but you will be arrested if you stone one.
--Mr. Gummey: "Why do you call your dog 'Hen?' Is it an abbreviation of
Henry?"
Mr. Glanders: "No; I call him 'Hen' because he is a setter."
--The counterfeiter is satisfied if he can spend money as fast as he can
make it.
--Baby choked in his sleep, one day,
Only a harmless choke, 'twould seem.
But Marjorie settled it in her way--
I 'spect," she said, "he swallowed a dream."
--No fiddler ever gets tired of his own music.
--Benny: "Papa, I was playing with the sickle this morning, and I fell
down and cut a finger."
Papa: "Did you cry?"
Benny: "Nope, but Willie did."
Papa: "What did Willie cry for?"
Benny: "It was Willie's finger I cut."
--One peculiarity of the skin on an animal is, that the fur side is the
near side to you.
--Mr. Staggers: "What a gross man McJunkin is!"
Mr. Sumway: "Yes, but you ought to see his brother. He is a grocer."
--It is the easiest thing in the world to borrow trouble and return a
visit.
--"Now," said the professor, "I want you to illustrate the difference
between music and noise."
"Your own singing and somebody's else," replied the pupil, confidently.
--"This is a regular sugar loaf," said the candy-store clerk, when
business was dull.
* * * * *
The Fierce Old Cat and the Clockwork Rat.
[Illustration:
The boys wound it up and set it going around the room, and old Tom went
for it.]
[Illustration:
A little rough handling loosened the spring which took pussy very much
by surprise--]
[Illustration:
--and left the rat master of the situation.]
* * * * *
* * * *
* * * * *
[Illustration:
(Answers to Correspondents)]
A.E.B.--Extract of witch-hazel is made by distilling the leaves of that
shrub, the scientific name of which is _Hamamelis virginica_. To do
this, it will be necessary to secure apparatus especially adapted to the
purpose.
CARRIE N.--Polish the horns according to the directions given in Vol. 5,
No. 43. They are very ornamental, but there is no great demand for them.
You might be able to dispose of a pair or two among your friends.
J.N.D.--Stamp dealers usually begin as collectors, and thus gain an
intimate knowledge of the various issues, colors, varieties and prices
of all the stamps issued. Numerous illustrated catalogues are issued by
the principal dealers in this country and Europe.
J.H.S.--1. When recharging a battery it is only necessary to remove
any parts that may have decomposed and then add water. 2. The outfit
requisite for producing the electric light described in Nos. 1 and 2 of
the last volume will cost two or three dollars.
OLD SUBSCRIBER.--Narrow shoulders may be strengthened and straightened
by judicious exercise, and by walking and sitting erect, throwing them
well back and never allowing them to droop. It is very doubtful,
however, if their breadth can be increased to any appreciable degree.
H.B.--Vols. 1, 2, 3 and 4 of this paper cannot be furnished complete
either bound or unbound, but from 6 to 12, inclusive, they can be
supplied in either shape. A very limited number of bound copies of the
fifth volume remain to be sold at the usual rate of $4 each, but in its
unbound form it is incomplete, one number being out of print.
E.F.W.--White ink is made by mixing flake white with gum arabic and
water. It should be sufficiently fluid to flow easily from the pen.
Another mixture, erroneously called white ink, but which is in reality
an etching fluid, and can only be used on colored paper, is made by
adding 1 part of muriatic acid to 20 parts of starch water. A steel pen
must be used.
A.G.D.--1. There is but one way to improve the memory, and that is to
concentrate the mind upon but one subject at a time, never allowing it
to wander off to some other idea. At first, this is a difficult matter,
but in a comparatively short time the mind can be brought under control,
and the memory will, in many instances, become far more retentive than
ever before. 2. The growth of hair on the face cannot be checked, but
can be controlled by the regular use of a razor.
UNUS PLURORUM.--Pilot charts may be obtained at all the branch
hydrographic offices in our large ports, but the coast survey charts
are not intended for general distribution. Every Congressman is allowed
a limited number, and may, if he pleases, distribute them among his
friends, and they are also furnished to schools, scientific
associations, libraries and the like, when application is made for any
special map. In all other cases they are for sale at stated figures,
varying according to the size of the chart desired. A catalogue of all
the maps issued by the Coast Survey is procurable from the chief of that
office in Washington, D.C.
GEORGE C.W.--In mending crockery, one of the strongest cements for
the purpose, and one which is easily applied, is composed of lime
and the white of an egg. To use it, take a sufficient quantity of the
egg to mend one article at a time--easily gauged by the extent of the
break--shave off a small quantity of lime, and mix thoroughly. Apply
quickly to the edges and place firmly together, when it will soon become
set and strong. The reason for mixing a small quantity at once is that
it hardens very quickly and then becomes useless.
TIGER TOM.--1. According to the game laws of California deer may be
shot, in some parts of that State during the months of July, August,
September and October, except in Siskiyou and Nevada Counties, where
the open season begins in August and ends on the last day of January.
Quail may be killed there in January, February, October, November and
December. 2. Each State makes its own laws regulating the term of
imprisonment for a specified crime. 3. One series of articles on making
traps for small game is out of print. The only numbers in print
containing such directions are 52, Vol. 6, and 1, Vol. 7.
SAILOR.--The Philadelphia, Newark, Miantonomoh, Kearsarge, Concord,
Chicago, Atlanta, Yorktown, Boston, Bennington, Petrel, Baltimore, San
Francisco, Yantic, Thetis and Ranger are the United States war vessels
that are available at the present time, or could be put in commission in
the course of ninety days. A complete list and description of all the
vessels comprising our naval force can be obtained from the Secretary of
the Navy, Washington, D.C., but we cannot afford the space in which to
give in detail such a mass of measurements, the number of guns, etc., as
would be required to satisfy your wants.
W.H.K.--1. John Greenleaf Whittier, popularly known as the "Quaker
Poet" and the "Bachelor Poet" resides at Amesbury, Mass. "Maud Muller,"
"Barefoot Boy," "Cobbler Keezar's Vision," "Barbara Frietchie," "In
School Days" and "My Psalm" are the most popular of his short poems.
"Snow Bound," written in 1866, is undoubtedly the best of all his poems,
and is, in one sense, a memorial of his mother and sister, having been
written after their death. He was born near Haverhill, Mass., on
December 17, 1807. 2. Get a setting of bantam eggs from a local bird
dealer.
CONSTANT READER.--1. All the foremost juvenile writers of the day are
engaged on GOLDEN DAYS; therefore, in our opinion, there are none better
or more popular. 2. The various officers in the United States navy rank
as follows: Rear admirals, commodores, captains, commanders, lieutenant
commanders, lieutenants (two grades), ensigns (two grades), and naval
cadets. Rear Admiral Walker is the head of that branch of the service at
the present time. 3. They were published in a magazine bearing his name.
4. See the naval pay-table in the Letter Box of No. 15, Vol. 12.
A JAY.--1. Martin, the winner of the six-days' bicycle race at Madison
Square Garden, New York city, last October, rode for 127 hours of the
142 allotted to the race, covering 1466 6-10 miles during that time,
showing an average speed of 11-1/2 miles an hour. His record is the best
ever made, far exceeding any previous attempts in a six-days' match.
2. There are probably several bicycle clubs in your vicinity. Make
inquiries, and, if so, you should experience no difficulty in being
elected a member of any one of them.
AN AZTEC PRINCE.--The largest tunnel in the world is that of St.
Gothard, on the railroad line between Lucerne and Milan. The summit of
this tunnel is 990 feet below the surface at Andermatt, and 6600 feet
beneath the peak at Kastelhorn of the St. Gothard group. The tunnel
itself is 26-1/2 feet wide, and 19 feet 10 inches from the floor to the
crown of the arched roof. Its length is 9-1/2 miles, while the Hoosac
Tunnel, on the Fitchburg Railway, is 4-1/2 miles long. The Mont Cenis
tunnel is one and five-eighths miles shorter than that of St. Gothard.
IMPATIENT.--1. All communications intended for this paper should be
addressed to "James Elverson, Publisher of GOLDEN DAYS, Philadelphia,
Pa." If they contain queries intended for this department, that fact
should be indicated by writing in the lower left hand corner of the
envelope the words "Letter Box," and the real name of the writer in
addition to the assumed title, should be placed at the end. 2. A chapter
on polishing horns, bones, shells and stones was presented in Vol. 5,
No. 43. 3. Oiliness of the skin may be remedied by washing with water
containing a teaspoonful of borax or a tablespoonful of alcohol.
W.M.R.--Boys ranging in age from fifteen to eighteen years, from any
part of the country, may enlist as naval apprentices on the U.S.
training-ships, but not on the school-ships Saratoga or St. Mary's,
which are, in reality, local institutions, supported by New York city
and Pennsylvania. An excellent idea of the requirements in either case
may be gained by reading the articles headed "The Nautical School of
New York City," in No. 35, Vol. 8, and "Uncle Sam's Ships," in No. 18,
Vol. 10. The school-ship boys serve but two years, while the naval
apprentices remain until they reach the age of twenty-one, unless sooner
discharged for misbehavior or disability.
134.--1. In military or naval parlance, a ration is a portion or fixed
allowance of provisions, drink and forage, assigned to a soldier in the
army or a sailor in the navy, for his daily subsistence. Its component
parts are established by law, but may be varied by the Secretary of War
or of the Navy; or, when necessary, by the senior officer present in
command. The latter may also diminish the allowance, in case of
necessity, but of course the persons whose allowance is thus lessened
are reimbursed according to the scale of prices established at the time
of such diminution. 2. The regulation chest measurement required of a
seventeen-year-old applicant for admission on a training-ship is 29
inches.
F.B.H., MIDSHIPMAN and W.H.E.--1. As there are but two _schoolships_
in the United States, and none but New York and Pennsylvania boys are
admitted on them, non-residents' applications for enlistment would not
be considered under any circumstances. Boys desiring to enter the U.S.
navy can do so by enlisting on a _training_ ship, which is a government
institution, and intended as a means of fitting our youth to perform the
duties of sailors and petty officers in the regular navy. The schoolship
boys, on the other hand, are trained for the merchant service. The Chief
of the Bureau of Equipment and recruiting, Navy Department, Washington,
D.C., is the one to whom all applications for enlistment on the training
ships should be made. 2. No premium is offered for U.S. pennies coined
in 1858.
GENERAL NAPOLEON.--1. A graduate of the schoolship Saratoga might be
able to obtain an appointment as quartermaster on an ocean steamship
at a salary of about $30 per month. The other officers on these vessels
are shipped on the other side of the Atlantic, and have to show a
certificate of service before being appointed as mates or to any other
official position. The schoolship boys should experience but little
trouble in getting some minor berths on coastwise vessels or other
crafts sailing under American colors. The chief idea in establishing
the two schoolships, St. Mary's and Saratoga, was to fit boys for the
mercantile marine, and probably, if ever the trans-Atlantic liners sail
under our flag, they will be given appointments on them. 2. The pay of
the officers on steamship lines varies so greatly that no general
average can be given.
CURIOUS READER.--1. There are several colleges in this country in
which poor boys are afforded an opportunity of putting into practice
legitimate plans for raising sufficient money to pay for tuition and
other expenses. This subject was treated of in a very interesting and
instructive article entitled "Working One's Way Through College," in No.
15 of the volume just ended. In it will be found many such plans, which
will prove of great benefit to those intending to thus gain a collegiate
training. 2. The Constitution does not require candidates for government
positions to possess a college education--in fact, comparatively few
heads of departments, commissioners, etc., are thus equipped. 3. There
are no "free trade" colleges in the United States. We do not know of the
existence of such institutions in any part of the world.
L.G.C.H.--1. In soldering, the edges of the metals to be put together
must be perfectly clean, to insure which, as well as to counteract the
oxidization which most metals undergo when heated, a flux is used which
neutralizes these otherwise serious impediments, securing a firm joint.
Borax, rosin, sal-ammoniac, common salt, limestone, glass and several
other substances are used for this purpose, according to the nature of
the metal used. Rosin or oil is usually employed in soldering tin and
lead, while a mixture of muriate of zinc and sal-ammoniac is used with
steel. 2. A complete outfit for printing an amateur paper such as that
you describe will cost at least $200, and can be purchased from any
dealer in printing materials. 3. Construct the camera according to the
plans laid down in Vol. 9, No. 34. The cost of that issue will be 6
cents, postage free.
J.H.R.--Numerous articles on how to construct cabinets, bookcases, etc.,
have been published in previous volumes of this paper. Among these are
the following: "How to Make a Refrigerator," "Cabinet-Making for
Beginners" and "Screens and How to Make Them." Nos. 35, 47 and 48, Vol.
5; "How to Make a Desk," "Hanging Bookshelves" and "Corner Cabinet,"
Nos. 7, 15 and 22, Vol. 6; "Hanging Cabinet," No. 16, Vol. 7; "How to
Make an Amateur Carpenter's Bench," No. 36, Vol. 8; "How to Make a
Portable Bookcase," No. 2, Vol. 10, and "How to Make a Bookcase and
Cabinet," No. 8, Vol. 12. These numbers will cost six cents each, no
charge being made for postage. It is our intention to publish such
articles in this and succeeding volumes, whenever the opportunity is
presented of giving the boys novel and useful ideas in the "how to make"
line.
M.S.S.--1. The sun's average distance from the earth is about 93,000,000
miles. Since the orbit of the earth is elliptical, and the sun is
situated at one of its foci, the earth is nearly 3,000,000 miles further
from the sun in midsummer than it is in midwinter in the northern
hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere, these conditions are exactly
reversed. 2. U.S. Senators are elected by the legislatures of the States
they represent, while members of the National House or Representatives
are elected by the people. 3. It is not considered improper to write a
short message or letter on a half-sheet of paper; in fact, some styles
of writing paper consist of but a single sheet. 4. The use of a
moderately stiff tooth-brush, clean water and castile soap will keep
the teeth white and in good condition. Tooth-powders are injurious.
5. Nickel-plating should not be exposed to dampness, and must be kept
bright by wiping with a soft rag.
CAPTAIN CHAP.--The total population of the earth is estimated at
1,480,000,000--of which Europe has 357,000,000; Asia, 826,000,000;
Africa, 164,000,000; America, 122,000,000; Australia, 3,500,000; the
Oceanic Islands, 7,500,000. The density of population is greatest in
Europe--Belgium standing at the head, followed by the Netherlands, Great
Britain and Ireland, Italy, Japan, the German Empire, China, British
India, Switzerland, France, Austria, Denmark, Portugal, Spain, West
Indies and the United States. More than one-fourth of the human race is
found in China and Japan, the former counting 350,000,000 and the latter
40,000,000; more than one-fifth is in India, 324,000,000, of which
286,000,000 belong to British India. The only one of the chief European
States that exceeds this country in population is Russia, with
93,000,000. The others range thus: German Empire, 49,000,000:
Austria-Hungary, 41,000,000; France, 38,000,000; Great Britain and
Ireland, 38,000,000; Italy, 30,000,000; and Spain, 17,000,000.
LELIA and PHILIP.--1. A high-class eight-wheel passenger locomotive
engine costs about $8500. 2. The strength of a steam engine is commonly
marked by its horse-power. By one horse-power is meant a force strong
enough to raise up 33,000 pounds one foot high in a minute. James Watt,
the noted mechanician, engineer and scientist, famous as the improver,
and almost the inventor of the steam engine, established the horse-power
unit, and the figures were fixed in the following curious manner: He
found that the average horse of his district could raise 22,000 pounds
one foot a minute, and that this was the actual horse-power. At that
time, however, Watt was employed in the manufacture of engines, and
customers were so hard to find that it was necessary to offer extra
inducements. So, as a method of encouraging them, he offered to sell
engines reckoning 33,000 foot-pounds to a horse-power. Thus he was the
means of giving a false unit to one of the most important measurements
in the world, as, in reality, there are no horses to be found that can
keep at work raising 33,000 pounds one foot a minute.
INEZ and C.A.S.H.--Miles Standish was a Puritan soldier, who came to New
England in the Mayflower in 1620. He was born in Lancashire, England,
about 1584, and served as a soldier in the Netherlands. He was chosen
captain of the New Plymouth settlers, though not a member of the church.
In stature he was small, possessed great energy, activity and courage,
and rendered important service to the early settlers by inspiring
Indians, disposed to be hostile, with awe for the English. In 1625,
Standish visited England as agent for the Plymouth Colony, and returned
with supplies the next year. His wife, Rose Standish, was one of the
victims of the famine and fever of 1621. Five years later, he settled at
Duxbury, Mass., where he lived the remainder of his days, administering
the office of magistrate, or assistant, until his death on October 8,
1656. A monument to his memory was erected several years ago on
Captain's Hill, in Duxbury. Longfellow has written a beautiful poem
describing the captain's second wooing, when he desired to make
Priscilla Mullens his wife, entitled the "Courtship of Miles Standish."
DISTRICT COLUMBIA.--No vessel has ever been built that exceeded the
Great Eastern in size. Her dimensions were: Length, 680 feet, between
perpendiculars, or 692 feet upper deck; breadth, 83 feet, or 118 feet
over paddle-boxes: height of hull, 60 feet, or 70 feet to the top of the
bulwarks. The paddle-wheels were 56 feet in diameter by 13 feet in
depth, with 30 spokes in each wheel, and the coal-bunkers, to supply all
the engines, could contain 14,000 tons. Her propeller-shaft was 160 feet
long, with a screw propeller at one end 24 feet in diameter. She had 6
masts, carrying 7000 yards of sail, as auxiliary to the steam power:
10 cables, some of which weighed 10 tons each. She had facilities for
accommodating 800 saloon passengers, 2000 second class, 1200 third class
and 400 officers and crew; or 5000 might have been placed on her, if
emigrants or troops. She was used for several purposes, serving as a
troop ship in 1861, as a passenger vessel, and then was permanently
chartered for laying the Atlantic cable, all of the passenger fittings
being removed in 1867. In this she proved a success, having been used,
not only for the laying of the cable named, but also for several other
important lines, in the Mediterranean, in the Red Sea, across the
Indian Ocean and elsewhere. Then she was laid up, and the last report
concerning her was that, after being run for a short time as a coal
ship, she was sold and broken up, having outlived her usefulness. The
enormous expense attendant upon the maintenance of such an ocean monster
proved a drawback to continued success from the day she was launched, at
Millwall, England, January 31, 1858.
HARRY and JAY. Two exchange notices from one person are allowed in each
volume, thus giving all our readers an equal chance.--HENRY M.S. Your
query was answered in No. 51, Vol. 12, in its regular turn.--F.H.G.
Addresses of any description are never given in this department.
--BILLY. Commodore George Dewey is Chief of the Bureau of Equipment
and Recruiting, Navy Department. Washington, D.C.--INQUIS I. TIVE
"Electro-Motors and How to Make Them," No. 3. Vol. 12.--W.R. No
premium.--STUDENT. The book may be procured from a local dealer.--H.G.B.
It is supposed to be a reliable institution.--CHAS. McG 1. The course
pointed out is the only one to pursue. If you allow a false modesty to
deter you, nothing remains to be done but suffer. 2. The exchange notice
is too trivial.--WEEKLY BUYER. Stove trimmings are nickel-plated in
the regular way. Read the article on electro-plating in Vol. 11, No.
23.--EDWARD B. Selling cheap jewelry and novelties on the street corners
may net a living income in large cities to those who are experienced in
such work, usually called "faking." It is not at all probable that it
could be made a profitable calling in Texas.--X.Y.Z. Perpetual motion
stands at the head of the absolute impossibilities of life; therefore,
the government has never offered a prize for the solution of this
mythical problem.--RANGER. Nitro-glycerine is one of the most dangerous
explosives known; consequently, we cannot conscientiously describe its
manufacture in this place, thus jeopardizing the lives of thoughtless
persons who might attempt to make it if such a formula was furnished.
--E.C.S. If in first-class condition, the three-dollar gold-piece of
1878 might be sold for $3.40.
-> Several communications have been received which will be answered next
week.
* * * * *
Not a Local Disease
Because Catarrh affects your head, it is not therefore a local disease.
If it did not exist in your blood, it could not manifest itself in your
nose. The blood now in your brain is, before you finish reading this
article, back in your heart again, and soon distributed to your liver,
stomach, kidneys, and so on. Whatever impurities the blood does not
carry away, cause what we call diseases. Therefore, when you have
catarrh in the head, a snuff or other inhalant can at most give only
temporary relief. The only way to effect a cure is to attack the
disease in the blood, by taking a constitutional remedy like Hood's
Sarsaparilla, which eliminates all impurities and thus permanently cures
Catarrh. The success of Hood's Sarsaparilla as a remedy for Catarrh is
vouched for by many people it has cured.
N.B.--Be sure to get Hood's.
Hood's Sarsaparilla
Sold by all druggists, $1; six for $5. Prepared only by C.I. HOOD & CO.,
Apothecaries, Lowell, Mass
100 Doses One Dollar
Sold by all druggists, $1; six for $5. Prepared only by C.I. HOOD & CO.,
Apothecaries, Lowell, Mass
100 Doses One Dollar
* * * * *
[Illustration:
(CUTICURA SOAP
For
BAD COMPLEXIONS
RED ROUGH HANDS
and
BABY HUMORS.)]
BAD COMPLEXIONS, WITH PIMPLY,
blotchy, oily skin, Red, Rough Hands, with chaps, painful finger ends
and shapeless nails, and simple Baby Humors prevented and cured by
CUTICURA SOAP. A marvelous beautifier of world-wide celebrity, it is
simply incomparable as a Skin Purifying Soap, unequalled for the Toilet
and without a rival for the Nursery. Absolutely pure, delicately
medicated, exquisitely perfumed, CUTICURA SOAP produces the whitest,
clearest skin and softest hands, and prevents inflammation and clogging
of the pores, the cause of pimples, blackheads and most complexional
disfigurations, while it admits of no comparison with the best of other
skin soaps, and rivals in delicacy the most noted and expensive of
toilet and nursery soaps. Sale greater than the combined sales of all
other skin soaps.
Sold throughout the world. Price, 25c.
Send for "How to Cure Skin and Blood Diseases."
Address *Potter Drug and Chemical Corporation*,
Proprietors, Boston, Mass.
Aching sides and back, weak kidneys, and rheumatism relieved in one
minute by the celebrated *Cuticura Anti-Pain Plaster*. 25c.
[Illustration:
(GARLAND STOVES AND RANGES
OVER 100 KINDS
AND SIZES
FROM $10.00 TO 75.00
THE GENUINE
ALL PURE IRON
TRADE MARK
BEWARE OF
IMITATIONS
The World's Best)]
The Dancing Skeleton.
A jointed figure of a skeleton. Dances to music and performs various
tricks. When placed in a chair or on a table it will begin to move,
stand up, lie down, &c., to the great astonishment of all. More fun than
a box of monkeys. Just the thing for social gatherings. Sample by mail,
*10 cents*, three for *25 cents*, one dozen *50 cents*. Stamps taken.
Address HOME NOVELTY Co., Providence. R.I.
*In Luck Certain.*
After trying to sell books, pictures and wringers, and nearly every
contrivance imaginable, I became discouraged and thought there was no
chance for a poor man to earn a living. There was nothing to do on the
farm, and I could not get a job in town, when I happened to see how a
teacher made money selling platers, and thought I would try my luck. I
bought a $5 Lightning Plater from H.F. Delno & Co., Columbus, Ohio, and
from that day my luck seemed to change. I carried the plater from house
to house and plated knives, forks and spoons right before the folks, and
it is surprising how many want their things plated. I made $3.70 the
first day, and in one week $28. I can plate with nickel, silver or gold.
The work is fine, my customers are pleased and I am happy. I hope some
other fellow who is down on his luck will see this, and do as I have
done and get up in the world.
WILLIAM EVANS.
* * * * *
From Uncle Sam, El Dorado Springs, Mo.
Our opinion of GOLDEN DAYS is very plain and straight as follows: It is
one of the purest publications to be found in the hands of the reading
young people of the present day. It is full of short sketches that are
interesting and instructive to the young and the old as well. The serial
stories are all perfectly pure and are very interesting, besides setting
good examples and morals for all who read them. I have read Golden Days
more or less for seven or eight years, and I unhesitatingly pronounce it
pure and instructive enough to be in the home circle of every family in
the reading world. One fine feature is the International Sunday-School
Lesson to be found in each number, about one week or so in advance of
the time when it is to be used, thus giving an opportunity for thorough
study.
From the Christian Advocate, Richmond, Va.
Any boy's or girl's days must be golden who reads that charming paper,
published in Philadelphia, styled GOLDEN DAYS. The day it comes, and
every day after while its contents are not exhausted, will be golden
with the charming adventures, incidents of travel and thrilling stories
of childhood and youth. The children of every family should have it.
Parents cannot make a better investment than to subscribe for Golden
Days for their young folks. It is sent to any address for $6 per year.
James Elverson, Publisher, Philadelphia, Pa.
From The Argus, Ashton, Dakota.
To the young people of Spink County who enjoy first class reading we can
truthfully recommend GOLDEN DAYS, published by James Elverson,
Philadelphia. It is a weekly publication, and filled with the purest of
reading matter, and yet the well-known desire of the young for stories
of adventure is not forgotten, for while the interest of the reader is
held by the power of the writers, yet there is nothing at any time that
could offend the most fastidious, while the youthful mind is led on to
emulate the good acts portrayed. Write for sample copies.
From the West Philadelphia Press.
GOLDEN DAYS is far ahead of any weekly paper published in the United
States having for its object the culture and amusement of the youthful
mind. Now, in its Twelfth Volume, it exhibits every sign of strength,
permanency and progression. Mr. Elverson, the proprietor and editor, is
one of those men who believe it a duty to do what they can for their
race, and wisely he is doing for the "rising generation" a work which,
for him, is "a work of love." Aiming to benefit our youth, through
history, science, philosophy, geography, mechanics, etc., in a manner
easily comprehended, he has made his journal the efficient instrument of
his noble purpose. Could he see the anxiety on the faces of his young
friends awaiting the arrival of Golden Days by the mail or the news
agent, he would feel that his efforts to please them were not in vain,
and that the running of his great presses, day and night, at Ninth and
Spruce Streets, was indeed to them a gratification and blessing.
From the Teachers' Journal, York, Pa.
GOLDEN DAYS.--One of the most perfectly beautiful weekly magazines for
boys and girls we have ever seen. It is published weekly and bound
monthly. You can get the four weeklies bound together, if you prefer.
Each monthly contains eighty large four-column pages, beautifully
illustrated, with illuminated covers and the very best reading matter
for the young. It is heartily indorsed by the best religious papers, and
should take the place in our households of the injurious stuff that will
find an entrance, if nothing better is supplied.
From the Maryland School Journal.
GOLDEN DAYS (Elverson, Philadelphia) has fulfilled its promise, and is
in every respect a suitable weekly paper to put into the hands of young
boys and girls. We have carefully watched each number since the start,
and have seen in it nothing to censure and much to praise.
From the Michigan City Dispatch, Ind.
We can unhesitatingly say that the Golden Days, published at
Philadelphia by James Elverson, is the finest publication for boys and
girls in America. The matter is first-class and of a high standard. If
you are not a subscriber send for a sample copy.
From the Gazette, Charlotte Court-House, Virginia.
GOLDEN DAYS.--Of all the publications for little boys and girls, GOLDEN
DAYS stands most conspicuous to the front, while its columns abound with
stories and tales well calculated to entertain, amuse and please the
youthful reader. There is a moral in its articles well calculated to
make the young reader better for having read its columns. The
subscription price is $3 per year, two copies for $5. Send for specimen
copy, and you will be sure to take it.
From The Tribune, Maxwell, Iowa.
Of all the publications for little boys and girls, GOLDEN DAYS stands
most conspicuous to the front, while its columns abound with stories and
tales well calculated to entertain, amuse and please the youthful
readers. There is moral in its articles well calculated to make the
young reader better for having read its columns. The subscription price
is $3 per year; two copies for $5. Send for specimen copy, and you will
be sure to take it.
* * * * *
Our Premium Knife!
[Illustration:
(GOLDEN DAYS)]
Ivory handle, beautifully finished, *Exactly as Illustrated*.
Made to our own order, and can *only* be had by subscribing to
"GOLDEN DAYS."
-> We will make this Knife a Present to any one who sends us THREE
DOLLARS
For One Year's Subscription to "Golden Days."
-> The money must be sent *direct* to this office. Address
JAMES ELVERSON, Publisher "Golden Days," Phila., Pa.
Special Notice.--WHEN TEN CENTS FOR REGISTERING IS SENT, we consider
ourselves responsible for the safe delivery, though we have sent several
thousand Knives without one in a thousand being lost.
* * * * *
Children Cry for Pitcher's Castoria.
DELICATE
CHILDREN
MADE STRONG BY
SCOTT'S EMULSION
* * * * *
Notices of Exchange.
-> The publisher will positively take no responsibility concerning
exchanges effected by means of this department, neither will the
reliability of exchangers be guaranteed. To avoid any misunderstanding
in the matter, it would be advisable for those contemplating exchanging
to write for particulars to the addresses before sending the articles
desired.
-> Exchange notices containing offers of or for _shot-guns, air-guns,
pistols, rifles, poisons, dangerous chemicals, animals, odd numbers of
papers, valueless coins and curiosities, birds' eggs_, or "offers," will
_not_ be inserted.
Exchange Notices conforming with the above rules are inserted free of
charge.
C. Willard, Box 707, Claremont, N.H., a volume of "Youth's Companion"
and a book for a volume of GOLDEN DAYS.
G.H. Barker, Shickley, Neb., a collection of foreign and U.S. stamps for
a B-flat cornet or a silver watch.
J.N. Dodd, Box 181, Middletown, Del., a $20 zither and a complete
printing outfit for a typewriter.
G.J. Frick, 2903 Fairhill St., Philadelphia, Pa., a cornet, 6 volumes of
GOLDEN DAYS, a lot of books, a pair of opera glasses, a watch, a pair of
skates and 2 penknives for a clarionet, a bicycle or a "tuck-up" boat.
U.M. Reymar, 132 Academy Ave., Middletown, N.Y., 3 vols. of GOLDEN DAYS,
3 books on athletic sports and other reading matter for a high-wheel
bicycle or a banjo.
G.K. Mears, 128 West Jersey St., Elizabeth, N.J., a nickel-plated watch,
an album with 250 stamps, 9 books, a polyopticon and a 2-1/4 x 4 press
for a large self-inking press.
P. McNabb, 2208 2d Ave., N.Y. city, a pair of 2-pound Indian clubs, a
pack of trick cards and 2 books on magic for dry plate holders for a 4x5
camera.
A.G. Randall, Tekonsha, Mich. a $20 typewriter for a watch, a photo
outfit, books, a magic lantern or gymnastic goods.
G.A. Taylor, 469 Prospect St., Cleveland, Ohio, a self-inking press with
20 fonts of type, cabinet, leads and entire outfit for a Safety bicycle.
L. Spatz, 10-1/2 Oswego St., Jersey City, N.J., a 48-inch bicycle, a
pair of skates, a camera, 2 albums and a few stamps for a Safety or a
58 or 60 inch Ordinary (city offers preferred).
T. Fesmire, 802 Judson St., Phila., Pa., Vol. 10 or 11 GOLDEN DAYS for a
telegraph outfit (city offers preferred).
R.B. Gedye, La Salle, Ill., a 5x8 self-inking press and outfit for a
watch or a Detective camera.
C.F. Ball, Irwin, Pa., 4 vols. of "The Argosy" and 1 vol. of GOLDEN DAYS
for a snap-shot camera.
H.V. Bisgood, Jr., 641 Prospect Ave., Buffalo, N.Y., a pair of patent
lever skates for a collection of stamps.
W. Dorland, Hamden, N.J., a 52-inch bicycle for a screw-cutting lathe.
J.D. Saurman, 202 E. Jacoby St., Norristown, Pa., a violin, bow and case
for a guitar or mandolin.
C. Ehrlich, 332 E. 51st St., N.Y. city, a $50 gold-filled watch for a
52-inch Ordinary and a Safety.
F.G. McNally, 47 Lincoln St., Lawrence, Mass., a small
hand-printing-press with a lot of type and 200 stamps for a scroll saw,
a pair of fencing foils or a pair of opera glasses.
E.A. Snape, Box 240, Gordonsville, Va., a Kodak camera for 2 telegraph
keys and 2 sounders.
C.E. Cluckner, Box 215, Buena Vista, Colo., 700 U.S. and foreign stamps
for a card press and outfit.
C.W. Bennett, 51 Ashford St., Brooklyn, N.Y., a gold watch, a vol. of
"Once a Week" and a number of books for a collection of foreign and U.S.
stamps.
D. Calhoun, 174_a_ 6th Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y., a $10 physical exerciser
and instruction book for a foot-power printing press.
E.E. Bullinger, 336 E. 84th St., N.Y. city, a 13-1/2-foot canvas canoe
for best offer of sporting goods.
C.M. Berger, 3342 Waterloo St., Phila., Pa., a telephone with 50 feet of
wire, a stamp album and a lot of books for a typewriter or a camera
worth at least $5.
J.F. Phillips, Box 186, Catasauqua, Pa., a typewriter, 750 foreign
stamps, a combination square, rule and compass, a harmonica, a students'
lamp and a pair of skates for a scroll saw and outfit.
C. Pierce, 740 N. 24th St., Phila., Pa., a 10-foot canoe for a scroll
saw (city offers only).
R. Wilcox. Box 66, Chester, Conn., a lot of books for a Safety bicycle
lantern.
S.L. Evans, 911 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn. N.Y., a scroll saw with outfit,
a pair of skates, a magnifying glass and a wood-carving outfit for a
collection of minerals, a desk or a cabinet.
E.K. Hampton, 237 W. Decatur St., Decatur, Ill., an electric motor, a
1-cell bichromate battery, a pair of skates, an achromatic lens and 2
fonts of type for a photo-camera lens, etc.
H. Howard, 37 Howard St., Pittsfield, Mass., a 48-in. bicycle and a
fishing rod, with reel and line, for books and tools of any description.
L. Jeffrey, N.W. cor. 5th and Federal Sts., Phila., Pa., a lot of
scientific works on all subjects and 6 grammars in 6 different
languages, with the dictionaries for each, for a camera and outfit or a
telescope.
F.W. Fahnestock, 5 Main St., Cohoes, N.Y., a pair of foils, a pair of
opera glasses, a photo camera, a fountain pen, 3 electric batteries,
with lamp, and a pair of fencing foils, for a steam engine and boiler
worth $20.
E.M. Evans, 340 S. 21st St., Phila., Pa., a scroll saw for a pair of
ball-bearing pedals or a club lamp.
H.S. Clark, 34 Rookery Bldg., Chicago, Ill., a camera with rising front,
swing back, 3 double holders, tripod and carrying case, and a scroll
saw, with nickel-plated tilting table and emery wheel for a Detective
camera.
S.F. Neely, Mount Ayr, Iowa, vols of GOLDEN DAYS, "Once a Week,"
"Scientific American", "Home Magazine", "Home Journal", and 30 books for
a bicycle, a typewriter or books.
F.H. Rouff, 303 S. Main St., Providence, R.I., Vols. 1, 2, 7, 8, 10 and
11 GOLDEN DAYS, and 2 vols. of "The Argosy" and some books for Vols. 3,
4 and 6 same paper.
J.E. Woolverton, 123 Stockton St., Trenton, N.J., Vols. 9 and 10 GOLDEN
DAYS for Vol. 12, same paper.
* * * * *
_Any man_ that puts an article in reach of _over-worked women_ to
lighten her labor is certainly a _benefactor_. Cragin & Co. surely come
under this head in making Dobbin's Electric Soap so cheap that _all_ can
use it. _You_ give it a trial.
DONALD KENNEDY
Of Roxbury, Mass., says
Kennedy's Medical Discovery cures Horrid Old Sores, Deep Seated Ulcers
of *40* years standing, Inward Tumors, and every disease of the skin
except Thunder Humor, and Cancer that has taken root. Price $1.50. Sold
by every Druggist in the U.S. and Canada.
THE HARTFORD SAFETY.
[Illustration]
Price $100.00
With Cushion Tires $105.00
Ball Bearings; interchangeable parts; guaranteed. Catalogues free. The
Hartford Cycle Co., Hartford, Conn.
THE WIZARD'S WONDERFUL CABINET!
[Illustration:
(Prof. Dunsell's Wonderful Paper Trick), (Fire Eater),
(A Cure for Love)]
Containing all of the following
--TRICKS--.
The *Performing Skeleton* will dance to music, stand up, lie down and
perform various tricks. *Magic Trick Cards* used by all magicians; no
experience required to do the most perplexing tricks: The *Lightning
Trick Box*, neatest trick ever invented; you take off the cover and show
your friends that it is full of candy or rice; replace the cover and you
can assure your friends that it is empty; and taking off the cover, sure
enough, the candy has disappeared, or you can change it to a piece of
money. *A Cure for Love*, curious, queer, but funny; ladies hand them
to gentlemen; gentlemen to ladies, and have dollars' worth of fun. The
*Magic Nail*; a common nail is shown and then forced through the finger;
the nail is then withdrawn, given for examination and the finger shown
without a cut or scar. The *Fire Eater*, the great sensational trick of
the day; any person can apparently breathe fire and blow thousands of
brilliant sparks from the mouth. We send material enough for several
exhibitions. *Magic Bottle Imp*, a very amusing trick; it is a curiosity
and a brain puzzler; will stand as straight as a flag-staff and no one
can make it lie down, but when you take it down it goes like a sleepy
kitten; it causes heaps of fun. *Wonderful Paper Trick*; this trick can
be performed by any one; you produce the package of cigarette paper that
we furnish, and take a sheet and tear it in small pieces and roll it
into a ball; then unroll the ball, and there is the sheet of paper,
perfect in size and not torn in the slightest. It can be repeated many
times, as the book of leaves is a thick one. All the above tricks packed
in a neat box with full directions with every article, so that any one
can perform the tricks, and sent by mail, postpaid, for *25 cents*,
silver or stamps.
Address *Home Trick Co.*, 4. Eddy St., Providence, R.I.
600 SONGS, 30c.
Including Comrades, Mary and John, Sweet Katie Connor, Little Fisher
Maiden, Rock-a-bye, Baby, Love's Old Sweet Song, In Old Madrid, That is
Love, Playmates, Leonore, etc., *all with WORDS AND MUSIC complete.*
A large book of 256 pages, containing all of above, mailed on receipt of
thirty cents, stamps or silver. Address
*B.M. TRIFET, 408 Wash. St., Boston, Mass.*
* * * * *
From The Herald, Cannonsburg, Pa.
There are many excellent publications for boys and girls, and it is
quite difficult to make choice among them. For more than a long time we
have been a reader of GOLDEN DAYS, a large and handsome weekly paper
published in Philadelphia by James Elverson, and we have come to admire
it very much. No matter is found in GOLDEN DAYS that the most prudent
parent could object to, and then everything is presented in such an
attractive way that young folks are sure to read it and watch anxiously
for the mail that brings the next Issue. GOLDEN DAYS is also issued as a
monthly, and subscribers can have their choice of receiving the paper
weekly or getting each month's issues bound. The subscription price is
*$3* per annum.
From the Canton Press, Canton, Mo.
The GOLDEN DAYS is pushing forward to a position in the field of
juvenile journalism that will make it the _ne plus ultra_. Its stories
sparkle with originality and interest, and its poems are the best.
Published at $3 a year by James Elverson, Philadelphia, Pa. Send for a
free sample copy.
From the Clifton and Lansdowne Times.
GOLDEN DAYS.--We would like to be able to place this weekly journal in
the hands of every girl and boy in the county who cannot afford to
subscribe for or buy it from news agents. But the girls and boys of that
kind, we fear, are "too many for us." A sad fact, too, by-the-way, when
we reflect that a little thought and a bit of economy on the part of
themselves or their parents would do what it is not in our power to
accomplish. Nevertheless, they ought to know what GOLDEN DAYS is,
namely, a sixteen-page weekly journal, with finely-illustrated articles
on various subjects of interest to young people, embracing natural
history, philosophy and other branches of education, together with
pleasing, instructive and moral stories by the best authors. It is just
what is wanted for the youthful mind seeking for useful information, and
ready at the same time to enjoy what is entertaining and healthful. If
all girls and boys could peruse and profit by its columns every week,
they in time would grow up to be women and men, intelligent, patriotic
and influential in their lives; and lest any who may read these words
are ignorant--which is hardly possible--of the whereabouts of GOLDEN
DAYS, we gladly give the address, James Elverson, Ninth and Spruce
Streets, Philadelphia.
From the Cincinnati Suburban News.
Twenty copies of the GOLDEN DAYS are sold weekly at Moore's book store.
The number ought to be forty, for it is the best juvenile publication we
know of. It is most beautifully illustrated, and the reading is of a
very high order, much of it historical and biographical. The price is
only six cents per week.
From the Pine Plains Register, N.Y.
*The Best of All.*--Among the numerous publications for boys and girls,
there is one every family should have--namely, GOLDEN DAYS, published by
James Elverson, Philadelphia, Pa. It is filled with the choicest
stories, which improve the mind and elevate the morals, as well as
please the fancy. The tone of this publication is pure, and yet GOLDEN
DAYS is not in the least prosy or dull. Try it for awhile, and you will
not do without it. The price is $3 a year, but by special arrangements
with the publisher, it will be furnished in club with the Register at
$3.50 for both publications.
From the Juniata Herald.
GOLDEN DAYS still comes up smiling every week to gladden the hearts of
our young folks. It is the best juvenile paper published, and is even
not a bad paper for old folks to read. That it is considered well worth
the subscription is evidenced by its rapidly increasing circulation and
popularity. While filled every week with intensely thrilling stories,
which rival Robinson Crusoe and the Swiss Family Robinson, it has no
tendency to corrupt the morals of the young, and can be given to them
without hesitation or fear. Send to the publisher, James Elverson,
Philadelphia, for a specimen copy.
From the Republican Journal, Belfast, Me.
GOLDEN DAYS, the leading juvenile weekly (and monthly) continues to grow
in interest and circulation, and is a welcome visitor to homes over all
this broad land. The publisher's claim that it is "pure, instructive and
entertaining" will be conceded by all who read it. James Elverson,
publisher, Philadelphia.
From the News, Paris, Ky.
James Elverson's GOLDEN DAYS, Ninth And Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, is
a handsome weekly publication of the healthiest kind of reading matter
for boys and girls. It furnishes quite a relief from the usual trashy
productions which are placed in reach of the youthful reader. The
pictorial features are far in advance of similar journals, and one
worthy feature which should recommend it to parents is that it contains
only the purest of reading. Nothing that would prove derogatory to the
best moral or religious life ever finds the light through colums its.
From the Standard, Belvidere, Ill.
James Elverson, Philadelphia, publishes a handsomely illustrated and
interesting youth's paper called GOLDEN DAYS. It should find a welcome
in every home for the young folks, for the reading is wholesome, and
such literature should be encouraged by prompt subscriptions. If the
youngsters catch a glimpse of it they will find they need it as a
recreation after study hours.
From the Philadelphia Times.
Of all illustrated Juvenile periodicals published in this country, none
is more deservedly popular than GOLDEN DAYS, published by James
Elverson, this city. It strikes that happy medium which appeals to the
masses of school children whose tastes have not been spoiled by
overstrained appeals to their fancy, and while it is bright and varied,
it aims to be instructive in a pleasant, homelike way. The monthly part,
made up of the four weekly parts, is quite a treasury of short stories,
pictures and puzzles.
From the Advocate, Tipton, Ind.
GOLDEN DAYS fills a want that no other magazine attempts to supply. Pure
and interesting stories for summer reading is a special feature. Highly
illustrated. For sample copy, address James Elverson, Philadelphia.
From the News, Bloomfield, Ind.
GOLDEN DAYS.--"To merit is to insure success" is certainly verified in
the publication of GOLDEN DAYS, by James Elverson, Philadelphia. This
admirable weekly for the youth of this great land is now well
established and has a large and well-deserved patronage. It is
supplanting a poisonous literature, and performing a wholesome mission
in this day when too much good seed cannot be sown by the friends of
humanity. Parents wishing to put valuable reading matter into the hands
of their children should subscribe. It is only $3 per annum, and can be
had weekly or monthly as may be desired.
From the Pipe of Peace, Genoa, Neb.
GOLDEN DAYS fills a want that no other magazine attempts to supply.
Pure, clean, instructive and amusing, it furnishes reading matter, both
for young and old, which is not surpassed by any other publication.
Published in attractive form, beautifully illustrated and in clear type,
the mechanical work is in keeping with the reading matter it contains.
Address for sample copies, James Elverson, Philadelphia, Pa.
From the Marietta Times, Marietta, Pa.
The monthly part of GOLDEN DAYS is, as usual, replete with healthful and
interesting reading, in the shape of instalments of several captivating
serials by popular authors, short stories, natural history papers,
practical papers, poetry, puzzles, etc., profusely illustrated. James
Elverson, publisher, Philadelphia.
From the Advocate of Peace, Boston.
GOLDEN DAYS.--"To merit is to insure success," is certainly verified in
the publication of GOLDEN DAYS, by James Elverson, Philadelphia. This
admirable weekly for the youth of this great land is now well
established, and has an increasingly large and well-deserved patronage.
Its readers are not treated with trashy matter, but with pictures and
puzzles and stories of thrilling adventure and useful knowledge. GOLDEN
DAYS is supplanting a poisonous literature, and performing a wholesome
mission in this day, when too much good seed cannot be sown by the
friends of humanity.
* * * * *
*Something That
YOU Want*!
_Thousands have asked for it_.
A HANDY BINDER!
That will hold 52 "Golden Days."
[Illustration]
Heavy, embossed cloth covers, with flexible back. GOLDEN DAYS
stamped in gold letters on the outside. Full directions for inserting
papers go with each Binder. We will send the HANDY BINDER and a package
of Binder Pins to any address on receipt of *50 cents.* Every reader
should have one.
Address JAMES ELVERSON,
Philadelphia, Pa.
* * * * *
[Illustration:
(The
Ready Binder
for binding
THREE MONTHS
of the
GOLDEN DAYS
*Price, 10 Cents.*) ]
THIS BINDER is light, strong and handsome, and the weekly issues of
GOLDEN DAYS are held together by it in the convenient form of a
book, which can be kept lying on the reading-table. It is made of two
white wires joined together in the centre, with slides on either end for
pressing the wires together, thus holding the papers together by
pressure without mutilating them. We will furnish the Binders at Ten
Cents apiece, postage prepaid. Address JAMES ELVERSON, Publisher,
Philadelphia, Pa.
* * * * *
JUST OUT
"Golden Days" Vol. XII
Is a Magnificent Book of 832 pages. A perfect mine of everything that
will interest young people. It is
Superbly
Illustrated!
CONTAINING
Over 400 Finely-executed Wood Engravings--making, without question, the
Most Attractive
Book of the Season!
-> This volume will be sent to any address, prepaid, on receipt of
price, $4.00.
JAMES ELVERSON,
Publisher "GOLDEN DAYS,"
Philadelphia
* * * * *
* * * *
* * * * *
Layout of Advertising Pages:
inside front:
+-------------------------------+-------------------------------+
| Serve Yourself and... | For Colds and Coughs |
+-------------------------------+ |
| FREE for 30 days. | Ayer's Cherry Pectoral |
+---------------+---------------+---------------+---------------+
| 15 Cent Pa.. | Barney & B.. | Dollar Type.. | Numismatic.. |
// // // // //
| PILES | STAMPS | PEATS +---------------+
+---------------+ .... | WALL PAPER |Madame Porter's|
| Binding +---------------+---------------+ |
| "Golden Days" | Pitcher's Castoria | Cough Balsam |
+---------------+-------------------------------+---------------+
inside back:
+-------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| Not a Local Disease | Cuticura | Delicate Ch.. |
| Hood's Sarsaparilla | Soap +---------------+
+---------------+---------------+ (Anti-Pain..) | (exchanges) |
| Garland |(testimonials) +---------------+ |
| Stoves | |(testimonials) | |
+---------------+ | | |
| Dancing Sk.. | +---------------+ |
+---------------+ | (exchanges) | |
|(testimonials) | | | |
// // // // //
| +---------------+---------------+ |
| | Our Premium Knife! | |
| +-------------------------------+ |
| | Pitcher's Castoria | |
+---------------+-------------------------------+---------------+
back cover:
+---------------+-------------------------------+---------------+
| Kennedy's | The Wizard's Wonderful.. | Something |
| Medical Dis.. +---------------+---------------+ that you |
+---------------+ 600 Songs |(testimonials) | want |
| Hartford Sa.. +---------------+ | |
+---------------+(testimonials) | | |
|(testimonials) | | +---------------+
// // // // //
| | | | This Binder |
| | +---------------+---------------+
| | | "Golden Days" vol. XII |
| | | |
| | | Superbly Illustrated! |
+---------------+---------------+-------------------------------+
[Illustrations:
Readers who are unable to use the fully illustrated html version of
this text may wish to view some individual images, located within the
"images" directory of the html file. The major illustrations, all named
in the form "picXX.jpg", are:
Front Cover pic01.jpg
_The Young Engineer_ 03
_Rigging and Rigs_ 06
_The North Avenue
Archingtons_ 09
_Captain Clyde_ 11
_A Flock of Geese_ 14
_The Black Hound_ 15
_The Fierce Old Cat and
the Clockwork Rat_ 18a, 18b, 18c ]
[Errata Noted by Transcriber:
front advertising:
The Clarivoyant, how to become a medium.
_so in original_: Clairvoyant
JAMES ELVERSON, Pubisher
_so in original_: Publisher
25 Silk Fringe Envelope etc., Cards with
_number obscured: could be 35 or 85_
The North Avenue Archingtons
...Marie Smith scarcely deigns to speak to me any more...
_text reads_ scarely
Stories of School Life
the third as Dreicke (three cornered)
_so in original_: Dreiecke ?
puzzle solutions:
R E T I L E S
_text reads_ RUTILES
testimonials:
...ever finds the light through colums its.
_so in original_: ...its columns. ]