The Pansy Magazine, November 1887
CHAPTER I.
THE air was clear and fresh; a slight fall of snow just conveniently stopping at the point of becoming higher than the overshoes of the pedestrians, lay on the ground. It was an early fall, as the old farmers say when there is snow at Thanksgiving, and every sign gave promise of winter shutting in rapidly.
The old gray house set back from Cherryfield high road, had its chimney smoking by break of day, for Mother Brimmer tied on her baking apron as soon as she had told Rosalie how to prepare the simple breakfast “to hurry forward those pies,” as she said.
“All that can be done to-day, Rosy,” she observed, in the midst of the bustle that now ensued, “is clear gain toward to-morrow. Always remember that, child; don’t leave a lot of odds and ends to do when you’re going to have company, thinking you’ll have time. You never do; and the last minute catches you before you know it.”
“It’s such fun,” hummed the one girl of the family, stirring the cornmeal mush in the kettle vigorously, “to have company. I don’t ever remember having any before.”
“You forget the parson coming to tea,” said Mrs. Brimmer, bringing out her pie-plates from the pantry. “Let me see; I shall make four mince ones.”
“He isn’t company!” cried Rosy. “Mr. Higginson isn’t; I ain’t a bit afraid of him.”
“No more you should be,” exclaimed Mrs. Brimmer, setting down her pie-plates; “and then again, child, there isn’t any call to be afraid of any one, so long as you haven’t been doing anything wrong.”
“But it scares me to think something don’t look nice, or I don’t know how to do things,” said Rosy.
“Well, that’s very silly,” observed Mrs. Brimmer, going for her pastry-board; “do the best you can, Rosy, and then let it go.”
Rosy turned her little anxious face toward her mother, and smiled. “Anyway, this company is to be nice, and the things will be nice, too, I guess, ma.”
“We’ll try to make ’em so,” declared her mother, energetically stirring up her mince-meat in the stone jar.
“What will Miss Clorinda say to see the goose that I’m going to roast all myself?” cried Rosy, deserting her mush-kettle, to go over with this important question to the baking-table. “Say, ma?”
“I’m sure I don’t know!” cried Mrs. Brimmer, with pride. “She’ll say, ‘Was there ever such a goose!’ like as not, though, Rosy.”
“Do you suppose she really will!” cried the girl in delight, the color coming into her cheeks. When she looked like this, the boys, her brothers Jack and Cornelius, always called her “Wild Rose,” and it was their secret delight to summon the lovely bloom in as many startling ways as they could.
“But you’d better fly back to that mush,” said Mother Brimmer presently, “and get breakfast as you’d ought to, and not look ahead to to-morrow. That’ll take care of itself.”
“So it will!” cried Rosy merrily.
Jack and Cornelius, now hurrying in to breakfast, the small maid-of-all-work had to desert her delightful anticipations of to-morrow’s good times and fly to the work in hand. It was presently on the table—the steaming dish of mush, the baked potatoes, and the large pitcher of milk, and Mother Brimmer being summoned from her work, wiped her hands, took off her apron, and joined the others at their simple meal.
For the good woman, although her children were “in business and doing for themselves,” as she proudly expressed it, observed the same frugality as when times were hard and the future looked dark. “We won’t give up our plain breakfasts; they’ve always done us good, and we don’t need any other food,” she would say when the boys urged her to have a “bit of meat for herself, at least.”
“No, no; I don’t want it,” she said, “mother’s tough and hearty. As long as I’ve such perfect health, you needn’t worry, children.”
So the money that would have gone into the butcher’s till for the beefsteak or mutton chop, went instead into the bank to Brimmer Brothers and Company’s credit.
And the economy observed in the matter of breakfasts went into all the other details of daily life. The only thing in which the family indulged themselves was in the matter of books and magazines; and occasionally Mrs. Brimmer would send the young people off of an evening to a good lecture or concert in the Town Hall, or she would go with some of them, one always being obliged to remain with Roly Poly, who was called “the baby,” although rejoicing in the dignity of five years.
The business conducted by Brimmer Brothers and Company was a grocery and general trade carried on in a little red building on their grounds, that had formerly been an old tool-house, in which the farmer who then lived in the big gray house mended up his farming utensils, and kept his tools when he had done the jobs. The business was started because the little money left by Father Brimmer when he died had, despite all the watchful care of it, dwindled till now there was only a pittance left. The old weather-beaten house would last them their lifetime, and the ground was theirs, but the growing family would need more each year to support them, and make them able to take their proper place in the world. And the children, who had silently worried over the problem, how to help the mother they had seen working for them early and late ever since they could remember, were at last one day helped out by the little old red tool-house.
“Here I am,” it seemed to say. “Your mother has given me to you for a play-house; now use me to help her.”
It was an inspiration in the first of it, to be followed by hard and grinding work, much of it in the face of half-laughing opposition and downright sneers of friends and townsfolk. But Brimmer Brothers and Company having begun to face the world never once thought of shirking any of the duties which they met there, but just the same as if everybody believed that they could make a success of the business, they determined in their own minds to do so, and behaved accordingly. And Rosy, the most timid little thing before strangers, forgot all her fears now, and as Company of the new concern developed a resoluteness and self-possession that amazed the boys.
All this was two years before this Thanksgiving; and now Mother Brimmer and the successful business firm and Roly Poly were to have a party!
After the breakfast dishes were cleared away, the boys hurrying off to the shop, as they anticipated a rushing trade for the day, the old kitchen began to assume the aspect of getting ready for some great festivity, while it smelt of spices and boiling sweets clear out beyond the lilacs and down to the front gate. Every passer-by must have known that it was Thanksgiving, and suspected pies and such other accompaniments of the national holiday at once.
The stoning of raisins and buttering of cake-pans fell to Rosy to do, who was excused from shop duty for the morning to help the mother in her unwonted tasks; and patiently the little girl performed it all, secretly planning, as she waited on the busy housewife, taking the thousand and one necessary steps in and out the buttery and pantry, if one of her little wood-gardens remained unsold in the shop, to take it to dress the dinner-table on the morrow.
“They can’t all be sold,” thought Rosy, almost wishing for the moment that there was not quite such a demand for them. “If the red partridge-berries could only stay at home, what a party we would have!”
But when Cornelius ran in to dinner, Jack staying behind to mind the shop, he shouted out gleefully, “Rosy, every single one of your gardens is gone, and we could have sold two more if we’d had ’em!” Rosy gave a great sigh, and then reproached herself for even wishing it otherwise.
“Rosy’ll make more money than any of us,” declared Cornelius, generally called “Corny,” between his mouthfuls. “How I wish I’d thought about fixing up roots and ferns and such things in old cracked saucers.”
“But you help me,” cried Rosy. “I couldn’t even dig the roots without you, Corny.”
“And me, too!” cried Roly Poly, or Primrose, which was her real name. “I always go with you, Rosy, you know,” and she laid down the little bone she was slowly picking to regard her sister gravely.
“So you do!” cried Rosy and Cornelius together. “I’m sure we couldn’t ever get along without you, Pet;” whereat the baby of the family felt happy, and smilingly resumed her bone once more.
But that night a rap sounded on the outer door, sharp and decided.
“Run and see who it is, Jack,” said Mother Brimmer, looking up from her stocking-mending.
Jack came hurrying back, a large parcel with white paper loosely folded over it, in his hand.
“It’s for Rosy,” he said, setting it down.
“For me?” cried Rosy, too astonished to open it; but Cornelius helped her, and at last the paper was torn off.
“It’s your old red wood-garden!” exclaimed Corny, dreadfully disappointed, at least expecting a big cake.
“Oh!” Rosy clasped her hands, and took an ecstatic little spin in the middle of the floor. “Now it isn’t wicked to want it!” she cried, dreadfully excited.
“If I’d known you wanted to keep one,” said Jack slowly, “so bad, I never’d sold it.”
“Who bought it?” asked his mother.
“Mrs. Higginson.”
“I wonder what other people do who haven’t got such a minister, and his wife,” observed Mrs. Brimmer, wiping her eyes, as Rosy fell to oh-ing over her treasure, and fondling each leaf. “Folks ought to be good who sit under their preaching,” she added.
“We’ll be good to-morrow, anyway,” declared Cornelius. “My! don’t it seem funny to go to church in the middle of the week!”
But on the morrow, wasn’t that a festive scene? The table was laid in the keeping-room, whose door opened into the kitchen; knives and forks were laid for seven guests: Mr. and Mrs. Higginson, the minister and his good wife; Miss Clorinda Peaseley, a staunch friend of the family; old Widow Tucker and her spinster daughter who went out tailoring, and lived down in the Hollow; not because they would be such pleasant additions to the party, as that Mother Brimmer felt sure that no other invitations would be sent to them, bidding them to a Thanksgiving dinner; and lame Joey Clark and his sister, for the same reason, and because the children had begged to ask them.
Rosy’s wood-garden had the place of honor in the centre of the table, and it did seem as if there never was such a number of bright little berries to cast a glow over the neat cloth, done up in Mother Brimmer’s best style! How they shone among their green leaves!
And the goose! The cheeks of the little maid who cooked it rivalled her partridge berries in coloring, at all the compliments that were showered upon her; while the chicken pie, and spare-rib, and plum pudding, and pies, were declared the best ever eaten; and the hickory nuts and butter nuts, cracked by the boys, received most honorable mention.
And old Widow Tucker’s thin face began to lose some of its worn lines, and she forgot to make any uncharitable remarks about other people, to which she was a little prone, and her daughter, Miss Mary Jane, seeing her ma so happy, came out from behind her spectacles and began to be pleasant, too.
And the minister told the most delightful stories! and when he got tired, then there was Miss Clorinda to set the ball of conversation to rolling again. Everybody laughed, even lame Joey Clark, and, altogether, there was no family party in all Cherryfield so merry and festive.
And as they at last arose from the table, everybody protesting that they could not eat a bit more, Rosy pulled her mother’s gown and whispered, “I want to send a basketful of goodies down to the Four Corners boys; may I, ma?”
DON’T GOSSIP.
CHILDREN, avoid this evil. I am pained every day at seeing the work which mischief-makers do. Some one has compared this evil to pin-making. “There is sometimes some truth, which I call the wire. As this passes from hand to hand, one gives it a polish, another a point, others make and put on the head, and at last the pin is done.” The Bible speaks much against mischief-making, and I would advise you to collect all the verses in this book, bearing on this subject, and commit them to memory, and then I do not think you will ever be guilty of this sin. Remember, my little friends, that you can never gather up the mischief you may do by gossip.
R.
WILD ANIMALS AND THE TELEGRAPH.
SOME interesting facts have been brought out in a paper by M. C. Nielsen of Christiana, on the impression produced upon animals by the resonance of the vibration of telegraph wires. It is found that the black and green woodpeckers, for example, which hunt for insects in the bark and in the heart of decaying trees, often peck inside the circular hole made transversely through telegraph posts, generally near the top. The phenomenon is attributed to the resonance produced in the post by the vibration of the wire, which the bird mistakes as the result of the operation of worms and insects in the interior of the post. Every one knows the fondness of bears for honey. It has been noticed that in mountainous districts they seem to mistake the vibratory sound of the telegraph wires for the grateful humming of bees, and, rushing to the post, look about for the hive. Not finding it on the post they scatter the stones at its base which help to support it, and, disappointed in their search, give the post a parting pat with their paw, thus showing their determination at least to kill any bees that might be about it. Indisputable traces of bears about prostrate posts and scattered stones prove that this really happens. With regard to wolves, again, M. Nielsen states that when a vote was asked at the time for the first great telegraph lines, a member of the Storthing said that although his district had no direct interest in the line proposed, he would give his vote in its favor, because he knew the lines would drive the wolves from the districts through which they passed. It is well known that to keep off the ravages of hungry wolves in winter the farmers in Norway set up poles connected together by a line or rope, under which the wolves would not dare to pass. “And it is a fact,” M. Nielsen states, “that when, twenty or more years ago, telegraph lines were carried over the mountains and along the valleys, the wolves totally disappeared, and a specimen is now a rarity.” Whether the two circumstances are casually connected, M. Nielsen does not venture to say.—_Nature.
THE BATTLE OF IVRY.
IN 1590 the armies of Henry the Fourth, of France, and of the Duke of Mayenne, assembled near Ivry, which is not far from Paris. It was in March, and the weather was very stormy. As night came, the vast hordes of soldiers dragging their cannon through the deep mire, took position for the awful conflict about to open. Henry had about twelve thousand men, and the Duke nearly twenty thousand. Before the dawn, Henry mounted his charger, and, riding along his lines, addressed them in words of cheer. He urged upon them fidelity to France and to themselves. In conclusion he said: “If in the turmoil of battle you lose sight of your banner, follow the white plume on my casque; you will find it on the road to victory and to honor.”
Oh! what a conflict did Ivry see that day! My dear little friends, I never could understand why men love war. I never could see any good it has ever done, but, on the contrary, war and intemperance have made this world a sad and gloomy place. Read a full account of this battle, and I think you will agree with me, that war has no charms. Maddened battalions rushed over the plain, crushing the poor wounded men. Grapeshot mowed down whole ranks, and shrieks of anguish echoed over the field. In a single hour the plain was baptized in blood. Henry came off victorious, but it was a victory dearly bought. In the fearful retreat two thousand were put to the sword, and many captured. I imagine that all France was hung in mourning after that awful day, and thousands of homes were robbed of their treasures. Do not you think it will be a happy day when warriors’ steeds shall be forever chained in olive groves, and all men shall love each other? I trust so long as we live peace, with dovelike wings, shall brood over our beloved land!
RINGWOOD.
PANAMA.
ALTHOUGH so much has been said about the Isthmus of Panama, and the works now being carried on there, very little mention has been made of the town from which that district takes its name. Englishmen should, however, feel some special interest in it; since the old town, founded in 1518, was destroyed by Morgan, the celebrated buccaneer, who started from our shores on his romantic expeditions. The new town was built by the Spanish Governor, Fernandez de Cordova, at some distance from the old site, on a rocky peninsula, which was raised artificially and protected from the sea by a huge stone rampart, flanked on either side by solid bastions, and so fortified by the famous engineer, Alfonso de Villa Costa, as to be considered the strongest place in the New World after Carthagena. An account of the place now given by the _Exploration_, a French paper, relates that these stone defences are now crumbling into ruins, with the exception of the southeast bastion, which is still used by the inhabitants as a favorite promenade. On the land side, where the defences would have been most useful in modern times, they have been purposely destroyed; and now the town is exposed to periodical attacks by the people of the suburbs, who are from time to time stirred up by some aspirant to power, and led up to the hill of Santa Ana, which dominates the town. Having gained this vantage ground, they engage in skirmishes with the townsfolk, and if victorious, seize upon the government, which they retain until subverted by similar proceedings. The town was, toward the end of the last century, opulent and handsome. But its commerce was ruined by the wars; and its inhabitants, by their carelessness, have allowed many fine buildings to be burned. The railway has, it seems, restored some of its importance to the place; and much more is, of course, expected from the canal now projected.
—_Selected._
==========
IF scorn be thy portion, if hatred and loss, If stripes or a prison, remember the Cross! God watches above thee, and he will requite; Stand firm and be faithful, desert not the right. _Norman M’Leod._
DR. SAMUEL JOHNSON.
THE subject of our sketch became one of England’s most learned men. He was born in Lichfield, in 1709, and died in 1784. He once made a dictionary of our language; he also wrote “The Rambler,” “Rasselas,” and “The Idler.”
I want to relate to you a little story of him when a small boy. His father kept a bookstand, and one day he said, “Samuel, I am so feeble, I want you to take my place at the stand.”
But the proud boy refused, and the sick father then started off, only saying, “Well, if you can treat your sick father thus, I am sure you will think of it when I am dead and gone.”
His conscience, however, soon began to trouble him. All day he saw his poor father, sick and feeble, sitting at the stall, and he said to himself, “Poor father! how his head will ache. I am so sorry I did not go.”
This unkindness the boy never could forget, and years after, though surrounded by the great of England, it would often recur to him.
Many years passed by, and one day an aged man made his way through the market crowd at Uttoxeter. He stopped at the place which fifty years before had been occupied by the book-seller, and the old gentleman was heard to say:
“Yes; this is the very spot—the very spot!”
It was the great and illustrious man of England, in whose heart still lingered the remembrance of his cruelty to his poor father.
R.
BABY’S CORNER.
IT is time for Baby Elizabeth to go to bed. She does not want to go to bed. She shakes her head and says, “No bed! No bed!” Her little mouth is puckered up like a round O; here is a big tear in each blue eye. Does Baby want to stay up all night? Shall mamma leave her sitting on the floor all the dark night? No, no! Little mice stay up all night, and run about and nibble and squeal; but dear babies must go to their soft beds.
See! the sun has gone to bed. The little pink clouds are lying down in the sky. The white lilies have gone to sleep. The birdies have gone up in the tree to bed. They are singing a little song to baby. Hark! What do they say? “Go to bed, bed, bed. Good-night, little E-liz-a-beth! Good-night!”
Now baby smiles. She is good. She will have on her long white gown. She folds her little hands and says, “Now I lay me.” Mamma puts her in her white crib. In one little minute her eyes are shut. Little Elizabeth is asleep.
In the morning early the sun will get up quick. The white lilies will wake up and wash their faces in dew. The birdies will open their eyes. They will say, “Peep, peep! Good-morning, Baby! Get up, up!” Then Baby’s eyelids will open; she will smile and show her six white teeth. All day long the sun will shine. The lilies will grow. The birds will sing, and little Elizabeth will be sweet.
MRS. C. M. LIVINGSTON.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT.
The address of Mrs. G. R. Alden (Pansy) is Winter Park, Orange Co., Florida. All contributions for THE PANSY magazine should be sent to that P. O., and _not_ to the Publishers, D. Lothrop Company.
ALL ALONG THE LINE.
_Conducted by_
R. M. ALDEN.
I wonder if any of the Pansies ever wanted to be missionaries? I wonder if any of them ever said they would like to be, but didn’t like to leave their home and friends? Now let me say just a word: You can all be missionaries this very day, and go no farther than the inkstand to do your first work. Every reader of THE PANSY who knows of anything interesting in church, Sunday-school, missionary or temperance news, anywhere “along the line,” will be helping us by sending brief reports, and will feel that he or she has been doing a bit of missionary work. Address all, for this department, to R. M. Alden, Winter Park, Orange Co., Florida.
LAST year there were in Iowa fifty-five counties without a single occupant for their jails, during the twelve months. It is in Iowa, you know, that they have the prohibition law which “does not prohibit.” It does seem to make a difference.
* * * * *
SINCE some towns in Georgia have succeeded in getting the prohibition of the liquor traffic, a minister from one of them writes, “The results are marvelous. The trade of the town has been more than doubled. I do not know a single merchant who would not vote against the liquor traffic purely on business grounds.”
* * * * *
A LABORER was recently fined for allowing his dog to drink beer, which made the animal savage. The judge thought it was the man’s fault for allowing his dog to drink. Why shouldn’t a dog have a right to drink beer if it’s given him? How can appetite be controlled? This question has been asked: “If that laborer was under obligation to keep his dog from drinking beer and hurting people, ought we to permit men to receive liquor, and injure themselves and their fellow-men?”
* * * * *
I WONDER if the Pansies have been posted about “rubber grapes”? Little rubber bags made to look exactly like large beautiful grapes; but what do you think fills them, instead of the delicious fruit which God has made? Why, brandy, or whiskey, or wine, or whatever liquor the buyer prefers! Think of it! The circular describing them says one great advantage is, “that travellers can refresh themselves in this way without exciting observation.” Can they? Suppose we make that part hard for them; thirty thousand Pansy Blossoms with their eyes wide open are not going to be cheated by rubber grapes. Of course every boy and girl will see to it that no miserable humbug who pretends to be a “fruit dealer” gets any of their money for his cheating grapes. But isn’t Satan smart, and cunning, and busy? Really, it becomes us to keep our eyes very wide open indeed.
* * * * *
WHO among us has ever visited the school for Indians in Carlisle, Pa.? If any Pansy Blossom has been there, I wish he or she would write us a letter about the school. It is a very interesting place; four hundred and fifty scholars, boys and girls; the girls in navy-blue dresses and cloaks, the cloaks lined with scarlet, the boys in military dress. With their very bright eyes, and their very black hair, I think they must make a handsome picture.
Industrious people are they; the cooking is done entirely by the pupils; the clothing is all made by them; they even make their own shoes! They are very good scholars; some of them really brilliant.
You wonder how they get time to study, with so much work to be done; that is all nicely planned for them. Half the pupils go to school in the morning, while the other half are at work in the sewing-room, the pantry, the harness shop, the printing office, the carpenter’s room, and the like. In the afternoon these two divisions change places; the students work, and the workmen turn students.
Think what a little while ago these boys and girls were roaming through the forests, sleeping on the ground, their only dress old blankets wrapped about them; learning to be dangerous enemies to all the white race! Now some of them are Christians, and all are well-behaved and industrious. Who will remember to pray daily for the Indian School at Carlisle?
MY DEAR BLOSSOMS:
I have a very nice plan for the year. I wonder who of you will join me? A Bible Band. That is what I now want to form. I will select and have printed in each PANSY a list of readings for each day in the month. How many of my Blossoms will engage to read the day’s portion with me, and write out in little blank books prepared for the purpose, answers to the following questions:
1. What is there in this reading that I ought especially to remember?
2. Is there a direction for me to follow, if so, what?
3. Is there something for me to avoid, if so, what?
How can I make these verses help me through this day?
Now the way I am going to plan it is to read over the verses, and make my report in my little blank book before I leave my room in the morning. Perhaps that will not be a convenient time for all of you. Perhaps the little people who cannot yet read nor write, will have to wait for mamma’s or papa’s or sister’s leisure hour, to get help. But I wish all who could would join me in the morning before going down stairs; then, after the reading, we will kneel down and ask God to help us remember the verses all day.
I would like to have each member of the P. S. who will join this Bible Band, send me a letter addressed to Winter Park, Florida, giving his or her promise to obey the rules of the Band as given here. To all such I will send a little card for their Bible bookmark with the name of the reader written on the back, and the date of the pledge. I shall keep a roll of all members of the Bible Band. At the end of each month I should be glad to have a copy of what you wrote in your little blank books. If you like, you might get a large sheet of paper, the first of the month, and make a copy for me each day, sending it to me at the close of the month.
I shall keep a list of those reports, and, at the close of the year, I will publish the names of those members who have reported each month, and send them each a little token of my pleasure because of their faithfulness.
Now I wonder how large a Band I shall have? Of course I will keep you informed through THE PANSY of its size and growth, and send you words of greeting. I think a great many of you will join me. I hope so. It will be very pleasant to think of my Blossoms reading and thinking each day about the same Bible verses. Who will be the first to send in his name, and receive the bookmark?
Lovingly, PANSY.
P. S.—If any of you know of something unusually nice, which happened at Thanksgiving time, write us an account of it.
READINGS FOR THE BIBLE BAND ADOPTION.
Nov. 1. 2 Cor. 14-18. “ 2. Gal. iii: 25-29. “ 3. Eph. iii: 14-21. “ 4. Eph. vi: 11-18. “ 5. John i: 9-13. “ 6. Gal. iv: 4-7. “ 7. Heb. ii: 10-18. “ 8. John xi: 41-52. “ 9. Rom. viii: 14-18. “ 10. 1 John iii: 1-3. “ 11. John xx: 19-22. “ 12. Heb. xii: 5-10. “ 13. Phil. ii: 12-16. “ 14. Matt. v: 44, 45, 48. “ 15. Eph. v: 1, 2. “ 16. Matt. vi: 25-34. “ 17. Matt. v: 13-16. “ 18. Matt. vii: 7-12. “ 19. Matt. v: 9-12. “ 20. Matt. vi: 12-15. “ 21. Luke vi: 35, 36. “ 22. Matt. vi: 1-4. “ 23. Prov. xiv: 26. “ 24. Num. vi: 24-27. “ 25. Is. lxii: 2, 3. “ 26. Matt. xiii: 43-46. “ 27. Matt. vi: 9-13. “ 28. Gen. xlviii: 5-11. “ 29. Ex. ii: 1-10. “ 30. Ps. xxiii.
_Lucy May Quint._ If all the Pansies were as busy as my little friend in Whitefield how very busy I should be adding names to THE PANSY roll. Many thanks, my dear. To make your meetings good will require a busy Lucy, thinking, reading, planning, conversing with parents and others, praying Jesus for guidance and comfort, never despairing, no matter what happens to spoil your meetings.
Keep gathering for your meetings, a crumb in this book or paper; another from a talk with some one; and so on. Thus you will always have something on hand.
You had a “nice,” “splendid” time in the church on Children’s Day, amid flowers and singing-birds, evergreens, and, best of all, a good sermon.
It is right to join the church. Now be true, dear, to your covenant, for Jesus’ sake. Don’t let any one who knows you doubt as to whether you are a Christian.
_Christiana Lacy._ No, the Editor did not forget Sevenfold Trouble, but “Uncle Sam” somehow forgot to get it from the writer to the printer. The mail does not always behave as it should.
Yes; I have read some of Miss Alcott’s works.
You and your friend Jennie seem to have a good standing in school. I am glad to hear good things of every Pansy.
_Alice_ of Minn. “At the farm.” No wonder you like it ever so much; in the orchard, where you have a swing; down at the brook, where you try to catch a speckled trout; among the sheep and cows; riding on hay or wheat from field to barn; then sweet bread and sparkling butter!
As for the dishwashing, how you three girls do chatter while you are at it, and boast as to whose cups and saucers are wiped cleanest. If you will send a copy of the Queer Story, corrected, I can tell if it be right.
_Ruth Kimball._ Hunting eggs; boating among pond lilies; at Cedar Bend Farm; with such a dear companion as Alice must be, what a happy girl you are. Well, child, make other hearts sunny, too, won’t you?
_Gertrude Burgess._ None but perfect ones on the Queer Story appears in my report. Many come within one of it; that is a failure all the same as one hundred. See? “A miss is as good as a mile.” So, look your work over and over and over before you send it. Thus you will certainly do perfect work some day. Meanwhile the effort will be a—school to you. You are a blessed girl to be fighting so bravely against that fault. Have you learned how to lean your weakness upon Jesus’ might?
_Lydia Sewell._ The pansy on the card is larger than many, but no larger than some I’ve seen. By careful culture they grow to great size. Your corrected Queer Story is well done, yet with a few errors. It would be rather unusual if every particular had been right. Still, if you are a girl of good metal, you will certainly tug away at this spelling business till you will know the right as readily as you now know your mamma’s face from five thousand others. Keep on and show yourself a true Pansy soldier.
_Lydia I. Boring._ Your Queer Story is within one of perfection. So you need not be cast down. Some have made a dozen mistakes. I guess you will be A No. 1 one on the next Queer Story.
_Adella F. Coy._ Am glad you are pleased to think so kindly of your Pansy picture. I wonder if you have the picture of the Lord engraven on your heart and often look tenderly upon it through the eye of faith and love. Let’s never grow too old to delight in leading and blessing the little ones. You rejoice me in what you say of the badge. Many others say the same thing. If you will send me a corrected copy of the Queer Story I will examine it.
_Helen S. Sloan._ See above about the Queer Story. You “Busy Bees” made $127. The hospital will think that sweet as honey. You must write D. Lothrop Company, Boston, Mass., about the “prizes.” They will explain.
_Mary E. Simpson._ At your request, I hand your letter to R. M. Alden. I guess he will not throw it into the waste-basket.
Charlie Compher lives in Leesburg, Va. He will be glad to get a letter from you.
The country is a blessed place. Isn’t it queer that so many country boys and girls don’t think so, but are discontented and want to get to the city, feeling sure that the city will make them happy? Contentment, my dear Mary, is a precious possession.
_Nannie Johnson._ You are eleven years old. Now if you live to be seven times that and each day “grow in grace,” what a beautiful old lady you will be. Of course you will outgrow “carelessness” the first month, and have plenty of time to pick up after mamma, instead of her doing it after you; and the “pony” and “parrot” and “dog” and “dear little baby sister,” and everybody else, I guess, will be glad.
_K. G. Boring._ A capital account, yours, of your Fourth of July. I can almost see you at the parade, and I’m so glad you got home safely from the crowds and the tramp of horses and that your fingers are not blown off. Rockets and Roman candles seen from the house-top! Balloons, too! Happy child! But what will you say when you see the great Lord coming in the clouds? How rejoiced you will be if you are His at His coming.
_May Cameron._ Let me commend you for finding so many mistakes in the Queer Story. I must see your work to determine its correctness. As to faults: Many are temper faults; many, disorder; many, teasing, answering back; “wait a minute;” biting nails, etc.
Remember me to Mr. Doane. You seem to be a wide-awake Band of Hope, with your meetings, “Mizpah,” flowers, and care of the sick. To be busy for the Saviour is to be safe from Satan.
_Charlie M. Ritter._ You are very kind to remember the organ. I wish I could say something to make everything green and beautiful about you. But your turn will come. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage. He hears the young raven when it cries. What a delightful time you must have had on Children’s Day.
_Elma Holmes._ And while you wear your badge here and there, be sure that you so live that your mother and all the dear ones at home can say, “Our Elma does what she professes.”
_Edith G. Grant._ I shouldn’t wonder if your Queer Story was correct. Let me see a copy now. Allie will soon learn other good things besides “cutting kindling-wood,” perhaps to read PANSY or Bible stories when mamma is tired. How I should love to visit you in your summer home in “beautiful Tullahoma.” Instead, I went to beautiful Ashville, N. C., in September.
IN MEMORIAM.
ANOTHER Blossom transplanted into the garden of God. Herbie Baily of Madison, Wis., at the age of ten, July 6th, passed away. With his parents he was attending a Fourth of July celebration, when an accidental ball struck him. Nothing serious was feared till two days later, when, at 8 P. M., he rushed into the house, screaming: “My head! My head! I shall die!” At 11 he breathed his last. Now, can you wonder that this dear boy, “so tender and quick to sympathize with any one in trouble and pain,” to whom “nothing was so charming as the ‘Story of the Bible,’ who delighted in everything pertaining to the life of Christ”—do you wonder that the mother says: “It seems as if I cannot bear his loss?”
Maybe now some loving heart will be prompted to write a word of sympathy to Herbie’s mother, Mrs. A. S. Baily.
WHERE ARE YOU?
Sylbil L. Anderson, Gilbert Anderson, Lizzie Carnes, Addie R. Crane, Estelle Duncan, Edith R. Foster, Mrs. Joshua Gowing, Josie ——, of Amesbury, Mass., Carrie I. Glauche, H. H. Hass, Jessie M. Hatch, John W. Holland, Marcella McDougall, Mabel A. Morse, Rose Price, Christine and Ollie Seely, Alice Stone, Rena B. Williams, and H. G. Shattuck, A. S. Willick, S. Willard Wood, Norma E. Wood, Mary W. Wells, Nellie M. Merritt.
To nearly all these names letters, with badges enclosed, have gone and returned. Most failed to give post-office, State, county, Street, or number. Write me now and say just where I may send these letters. Be plain and particular.
MIRZA ALI’S LETTER.
MY SPIRITUAL TEACHER:
_Dear, magnanimous Mr. Wright_:
FIRST: I hope your existence is safe and you have no bodily ailment. Second: If you wish to inquire my health, I thank God, I and my mother and my sister are very well, and we are thanking to our Lord and Saviour in return for His gifts. My words will not be finished if I want to count the gifts of our God. It is only sufficient to write that He gave His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, and saved us from death.
If you wish to acquire of circumstances of gentlemen and ladies, the missionaries, thank be God, all they are safe and busy to cause to reach the good news to the multitudes.
Their families and ladies are safe. Our school and the teacher, Baroon Wahan, and the scholars are safe; every day is Baroon Wahan busy to teach them. They learn the means of holy books.
I, ownself also, every day in the mornings am busy to give lessons in Turkish to my dear Sir Mr. Whipple, agent of the American Bible Society. Other times I am in telegraph office. There I write the subjects; there I am busy till night and night we finish. These days I give lessons in English to the son of chief of telegraph, and both the son of Aga Mirza Abdul Ali, the doctor. I am sorry I have no dictionary from Persian to English. When I want to translate a book from Turkish to English it is not possible. I remain unable and become unequal. If I have this dictionary I hope I will spread English abroad. You are my benefactor; you are my kind and merciful friend.
If you have not any more Dictionary and you have one only and it is necessary for yourself also, you cannot send (it) for me. You promise to me that you write to Constantinople or America. They send for me. You calculate it present, given at Festival time to me. I hope you desperate not me, but you will help me.... I am expecting for answer. I hope you will send me that book and you will make me glad and happy. If you have order, write me. I will execute and perform it. I will obey to all your commands. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen! And God may increase your love for Jesus, His beloved Son. Amen! If you find and see some mistake shut your eyes from my faults. Excuse me, sir. It is the first letter I wrote in English.
MIRZA ALI, _The teacher of Mr. Whipple_.
THE QUER STOREY.
WEN the Pansy Socity begun, thar was a boy, whos name musent be given. His mother tride to purswade him to plege his-self aganst useing sigars. He had became a grate smoker. The supertenent of the sundy schol of wich this boy was a nenber tride two. But he dident want a bage or too have his apetite controled. He became verry bad, folowing anny and evry boddy abowt too git a sigar. This brout him into the salloons, whar he lernt two drink lagger bier and sware and tel storys.
If all the sigars, wich he has smoked sence that was lain end too end, thay wood reech neerly one fifth of a mile!
How menny galons of bier he has drank and how menny oths he has swoar woold take too larg a peice off paper to rite them all onto, i am sory two hav to anounce, he is not giting enny beter.
[Send a corrected copy to Mrs. Alden.]
* * * * *
THE following persons have mastered the Queer Story. A few others may have done so, but not having sent their copy for examination it is impossible for me to know:
Glenroy L. Black, Lucy Dickerson, Charlotte Fitch, Louise Hosmer, Cora J. Russell, Margaret Hoyt, Jessie Strengle, Hallie Edwards, Daisy Vaughan, Lydia Boring, Agnes Oliver.
Several others came within one or two words of perfection.
NEW BOOKS.
(_Published by D. Lothrop Company._)
SOLDIER AND SERVANT. By Ella M. Baker. Price $1.25; to Pansy Society 75 cents. A thoroughly good book for girls, with not a dull page in it. The young Christian cannot fail to be helped by the story of Lisle’s pure true life as soldier and servant.
AFTER SCHOOL DAYS. By Lucy Wheelock. Price $1.00; to Pansy Society 60 cents. It is a thousand pities that the sensational fiction which constitutes the chief reading of many of our older girls could not be replaced by such simple, charming stories as this one. It is bright and healthful, and filled with good lessons, both practical and spiritual.
SWISS STORIES. From the German of Madame Johanna Spyri. By Lucy Wheelock. Price $1.00. To Pansy Society 60 cents. A lovely book within and without; just the thing for a gift. It is not simply amusing; every child who reads it cannot fail of being helped by its pure, sweet lessons. We quote a few pages from “Lisa’s Christmas”:
“The next day the great question was, what the lamb’s name would be.
“Lisa proposed calling it Eulalie, for that was the name of her friend’s cat, and it seemed to her an especially fine name. But the boys did not like it. It was too long. Kurt proposed Nero, as the big dog at the mill was called. But Lisa and Karl were not pleased with this name.
“In despair they went to their mother, who suggested he should be called ‘Curlyhead,’ and Curlyhead he was from that forth.
“The little creature soon became a great pet for the children. They took him out for a frolic whenever they had a few spare moments. Sometimes they went to the pasture and Kurt and Karl would search for rich, juicy clover leaves to bring him, while Lisa sat on a bank with the little creature’s head in her lap.
“Whenever a child was sent on an errand to the mill or to the baker’s, the lamb must go, and he listened so intelligently to all the conversation his companion addressed to him that it was evident he understood every word. He grew round as a ball, and his wool was as white and pretty as if he was always in his Sunday dress.
“The beautiful sunny autumn was drawing to a close, Christmas was coming, Kurt and Karl disclosed all their cherished dreams to Curlyhead, and assured him he should have his share of holiday presents.
“Lisa had a particular friend, Marie, who lived in the great farmhouse on the way to the Zillesback. Lisa was very anxious to visit this friend, for she could talk over her prospects for Christmas more fully with her than with her brothers. She had permission to go on her first free afternoon, and when the time came she was so impatient to start, that she could hardly hold still long enough for her mother to tie on her warm scarf. Then she ran bounding off, while her mother watched her until she was half-way down the hill; then she turned and went into the house again.
“At that moment it came into Lisa’s mind that Curlyhead would enliven the way if her brothers had not already taken him. She quickly turned around, ran back to the barn and took out Curlyhead. Together they ran down the hard path where the bright autumn leaves were dancing about in the wind. They soon reached the end of their journey, where Lisa and her friend where quickly lost in deep conversation, walking up and down on the sunny plot of ground in front of the house, while Curlyhead nibbled contentedly at the hedge.
“The two friends refreshed themselves occasionally with pears, and juicy, red apples, which grew in great abundance on the farm.
“Marie’s mother had brought out a great basketful, and Lisa was to carry home what were left. When it was time for Lisa to go home, Marie accompanied her a little way, and they still had so much to say that they were in sight of Lisa’s home before they knew it. Marie quickly took leave of her, and Lisa hurried up the path. It was already dark. Just as she reached the house the thought flashed through her mind like lightning: ‘Where is Curlyhead?’
“She knew she had taken him with her. She had seen him nibbling the hedge and then she had entirely forgotten him.
“In a most dreadful fright she rushed back down the mountain again. ‘Curlyhead, Curlyhead, where are you? Oh, come, come!’
“But all was still. Curlyhead was nowhere to be seen. Lisa ran back to the farmhouse. There was a light already in the window of the sitting-room, and she could look in from the stone steps by the house. They were all at the supper-table; father, mother, Marie and her brothers and the servants. The old cat lay on the bench by the stove; but nowhere was there a trace of Curlyhead to be seen as Lisa peered into all the corners. Then she ran around the house into the garden, around the hedge, again into the garden, and along the inside of the hedge, calling ‘Curlyhead, come now, oh! come, come!’
“All in vain; there was no sight or sound of the lamb. Lisa grew more anxious. It grew darker and the wind howled louder and louder, and almost blew her from the ground. She must go home. What should she do? She did not dare to say she had lost Curlyhead. If she could see her mother alone first!”
=ALWAYS READY FOR USE.=
=_Does not set quickly like the old style Glue; has four times the strength._=
No Heating.
These Glues are used in the Smithsonian Institute at Washington for all its works of mounting specimens, by the Government Arsenals and Department Buildings, by the Pullman Palace Car Co., Mason & Hamlin Organ and Piano Co., and by thousands of first-class manufacturers and mechanics throughout the world for all kinds of fine work.
Pronounced =STRONGEST ADHESIVE KNOWN=. Sold in tin cans for mechanics and amateurs, and in bottles for family use.
The total quantity sold between Jan. 1880, and 1887, in all parts of the world amounted to over =Forty-Seven Million= bottles.
Don’t be cajoled into buying the various Liquid Glues which are being put on the market; some with high-sounding names; others imitating our trade-marks and name as near as they dare; their only cry is: “Just as good as ‘LePage’s.’” It is the best recommendation that the =RUSSIA CEMENT CO.= could have of the merits of their glues. Labels of our CANS are black and yellow; BOTTLES, red, yellow, green and black, with a line of blue.
_We have just commenced manufacturing our NEW PATENT CAN—which has the following advantages: The top can be turned on or off readily by the fingers—each Can has brush fastened to the inside of cover, and a wiper to take off superfluous glue. This arrangement enables the amateur or artisan to carry a small can in the pocket ready for immediate use, without danger of soiling from brush or can. The NEW PATENT CAN is in 3 sizes:—Half-pint, gill and half gill.—Regular Cans, pint, quart, 2-quart and gallon. Bottles, two sizes, as heretofore: 1 oz. and 2 oz._
=Be sure and get the GENUINE LePAGE’S=,
MADE ONLY BY THE
=RUSSIA CEMENT CO., Gloucester, Mass.=
Sample by mail 20 cents (stamps). Mention this journal.
=Gloucester, Mass.=
=PARKER’S= With it you can stamp more than =1000 PATTERNS=
This outfit contains book =teaching every known Method of stamping=, price 25 cents; Box Best Powder and Pad, 15 cts.; Materials for indelible Stamping on Plush, Felt, etc., 15 cts.; Materials and Instruction for =Parker’s New Method=, (copyrighted), =No Paint=, =No Powder=, =No Daub=, 50 cents; New =1888 Catalogue= (showing all the new stamping patterns), 10 cents; and =Illustrated Wholesale Price List= of Embroidery Materials, Infant’s Wardrobes, Corsets, Jewelry, and everything ladies need.
=PARKER’S LAST INVENTION.=
=A SET OF DESIGNING PATTERNS.=—With this set any one can design thousands of beautiful pieces for Embroidery, Tinsel Work, Painting, etc. =No experience needed=—a child can do it. An Illustrated Book =shows how= to make patterns to fill any space; all the flowers used in embroidery represented. Every one who does stamping wants a set, =which can be had only with this outfit=. This outfit also contains =TWO HUNDRED or more Stamping Patterns ready for use=. The following being only a partial list:—=Splasher Design, 22 in.=, 50 cents; Roses, 12 in., and Daisies, 12 in., for scarf or tidies, 25 cents each; Wide Tinsel Design, 12 in., 25 cents; Strips of Scallops for Flannels, wide and narrow, 30 cts.; Braiding Patterns 10 cts.; Splash! Splash! “=Good Night=,” and “=Good Morning=,” for pillow shams, two fine outline designs for tidies, 6x8, 50 cts.; =Tray Cloth Set=, 50 cts.; Teapot, Sugar, Cream, Cup and Saucer, etc.; Pond Lilies, 9x12, 25 cts.; 2 Alphabets, $1.00; 2 Sets Numbers, 30 cts.; Patterns of Golden Rod, Sumac, Daisies, Roses, &c., Tinsel and Outline Patterns, Disks, Crescents, &c.
COUPON FOR ONE DOLLAR.
In addition to all these and many other patterns we enclose a =Coupon good for $1 worth of patterns= of your own selection chosen from our catalogue.
THE MODERN PRISCILLA. 1 Year.
=The Modern Priscilla= (the only practical =fancy work journal= in America), by arrangement with the publishers, will also be sent free for one year.
=The Great Value of this Outfit is in Good Useful Patterns.=
=T. E. PARKER, Lynn, Mass.=
=THE MODERN PRISCILLA.=
Published monthly, at 50 cts. per year. Descriptions of new fancy work appear every month; all directions for knitting or crocheting carefully corrected. Everything beautifully illustrated.
=Miss Eva M. Niles says=: “I think your paper a little gem.” =Get up a Club. Great Inducements!! Send stamp for premium list.= Club rate is now 25 cts. a year, or 5 for =$1=. Get 4 subscribers and have your own free. Address,
=Priscilla Publishing Co., Lynn, Mass.=
=SAVE MONEY.=
Embroidery Material, Infant’s Goods, Kid Gloves, Corsets, Laces, Ruchings, etc., at =WHOLESALE PRICES=.
Sent anywhere by mail.
POSTAGE ALWAYS PREPAID.
25 Skeins Embroidery Silk, 11 cents. Box of Waste Embroidery Silk, worth 40 cents, for only 21 cents. Felt Tidies, all stamped, 10 cents. Linen Splashers, all stamped, 18 cts. Felt Table Scarfs, 18x50, all stamped, 48 cents. Ball Tinsel, 8 cents.
=T. E. PARKER, Lynn, Mass.=
AN IMPORTANT ADVANCE IN SUNDAY SCHOOL BOOKS AND UNEXPECTED HELP IN PICKING THEM OUT.
Sunday School books have been growing better and better for many years; and yet we think they are scarcely keeping pace with the general forward movement. Indeed the improvement in Sunday School books has been largely brought about by mixing with them books designed for wider use.
Why not then widen the word to cover the fact, and get such other books for Sunday Schools as are fit for rising young people, books to help them rise?
That is the direction in which D. Lothrop Company has been working for several years; and its Sunday School books are largely made up of reading and pictures by no means confined to religious subjects. Now it goes still further in the direction of the popular tendency, and offers for Sunday Schools a separate list of books not often thought of for that purpose.
Everybody knows that children, especially boys, are apt to prefer a library where all sorts of books are within their reach. Such browsing unrestrained is apt to lead downward rather than up. But why not let the Sunday School library have the attraction without the danger? Why not afford the delight of inspiring, instructive, helpful literature in some of the books and religious teaching in others without the popular trash?
So two separate lists of books for the Sunday School library: one of modern (not “goody-goody” or stupid) Sunday School books, the other of secular books for the rising young.
These lists are arranged according to the relative acceptability of the books as shown in the main by the numbers called for. (1) religious Sunday School books; and (2) secular Sunday School books.
The books in both lists are arranged in the order of their acceptability. And so the lists are a help in choosing books. The majority vote may not be an infallible standard; but is there a better, especially when the voters are well-informed about what they are voting on?
The man who makes and sells a thing is the man who knows its quality; for the opinions of those who use it get around to him, and that very promptly. These lists are made with just that knowledge.
First and foremost of the decidedly religious books are the Pansy books. Pansy herself is a leader of children. She opens her mouth—they are eager to catch her lightest word. She raises her hand—instinctively up go theirs. The secret of such a power as that is sympathy, feeling together.
So in her books. She enters into their smallest experiences. The boys and girls of her books, the children of her brain, are just like her readers, natural flesh and blood; not life-like but real, just as real as you are yourself. They live in their world with the rest of us; have their ups and downs, perplexities, such as come to us all; and they win. So shall we who read!
That is inspiration. The reader becomes the actor, the hero, the heroine. Happy the writer who uses such power as that for helping, guiding, building up.
There are more than a hundred “Pansy books,” mostly by Pansy herself, a few by one or two helpers, a few by others altogether. They constitute, we may fairly say, the very highest class of traditional Sunday School books. They belong to the highest order of Sunday School work.
D. Lothrop Company, Boston, is just now getting out these lists of religious and secular Sunday School books, arranged with a view of marking their relative popularity. The Pansy books are at the top of the religious list, and Arthur Gilman’s History of the American People heads the secular list.
Send for the primer—sent free by the publishers.
* * * * *
BABYLAND is so good a diversion for baby and help for the mother that it ought to be in every baby family. Pictures and jingles and laughter. Baby will study in spite of you.
PREMIUM LIST
The Things you are going to have your choice of—you who look about among your neighbors and help them pick out their reading and pictures.
It is a neighborly act. And the time to begin to be careful of reading and pictures is when the baby can understand them. Let them come in the following order:
_Babyland_: nurse-help for the mother, and baby-joy for the little one; $0.50 a year.
_Our Little Men and Women_: delightful hours and years for beginning readers; $1.
_Pansy_: the Sunday School age is the time for Pansy; $1.
_Chautauqua Young Folks’ Journal_: for studious young folks; $1.
_Wide Awake_: library, study, play-house, life at home and abroad, companionship of the wise and good; $2.40.
Think of a life not only unhurt by wrong reading and pictures, but helped by right reading and pictures all the way through! It _is_ a neighborly act!
We make such Terms as you never heard of—for work.
D LOTHROP COMPANY PUBLISHERS OF BOOKS AND MAGAZINES BOSTON
Who Skips This Page Will Please Skip All
[Sidenote: What premiums are and to whom they are due]
Premiums are pay for work and nothing else. That work is getting new subscriptions. It is done when you send the names, addresses and money. Then you take your choice of the things in the List.
[Sidenote: Why we pay so much]
This work is of great importance to us, no matter how little there is to be done in your neighborhood. We pay for it _all the money there is_; we pay in such a way as to make it more to you than it is to us, especially if you happen to live where good new things are hard to get, where the stores are stocked with things that are going out of use instead of with things that are coming into use.
[Sidenote: The best things in the list]
We put in the List the best we can get and the best we can get for the money: some things because it is worth your while to know about them; others to answer wants we know exist—we put in nothing to be ashamed of. Some things are commonplace; not all are new or hard to get; but those we emphasize are worthy of careful study.
To be in the List at all is commendation. To be described is high commendation.
[Sidenote: When premiums are due]
Premiums are due when the names and money are here, and may be taken at any time thereafter, the sooner the better for us. You can have them right along as you earn them, or wait a little and have more together and save a part of the cost of transportation; but the sooner you take them the surer you are of getting them. Some will be gone by and by.
[Sidenote: Who pays for transportation]
All costs for freight, express and postage are paid by receiver, except postage on books, magazines and a few small things on which the postage is only a cent or two.
The postage on mailable things is stated in the List except as above. [When the postage is not stated: if the thing weighs only an ounce or two, we pay the postage; but, if heavier, it must go by express.] It is often true that mailable things go for less by express. We send the cheapest way, if we know it.
Some things are sent direct from the makers to save expense.
Everything over four pounds, too big for the mail, or for any reason unmailable, goes by express; and you pay the freight on receipt.
[Sidenote: How much the cost of a package is by express]
You can generally find out about how much by guessing the size and weight and inquiring at your express office.
You can economize freights to some extent by having several things in one package.
[Sidenote: Who is responsible]
We pack with care and deliver to carrier in good condition. That is all we can do. Beyond that the risk is yours. We register packages going by mail if you send the registry fee, ten cents a package, in addition to postage.
[Sidenote: What is a new subscription]
We pay for new subscriptions; not for renewals. What is the difference? A new one is that of a family not on our list before.
We pay premiums in good faith. We expect them to be earned in good faith. A subscriber may stop one magazine and become a new subscriber to another; but change of a magazine from one name to another in a family is not a new subscription. Your own subscription (if new) may count with others (not alone) for premiums. We have got to draw the line somewhere. We don’t reckon too closely, nor suspect bad faith too readily. We prefer to deal a little generously; but we don’t intend to be really imposed upon.
[Sidenote: Direct to D. Lothrop Company]
To be entitled to premiums you must send subscriptions direct to the publishers, not to another agent. We don’t pay twice for the same subscription.
[Sidenote: Whose agent you are]
You are entrusted with money for us by the subscribers you get. You are their agent, not ours. Be faithful to them. Send their names and money as soon as you get them. You are responsible to them till we get the names, addresses and money together. Then you are free.
[Sidenote: When a subscription begins]
Subscriptions begin at any time. If you neglect to name a date, we guess as well as we can.
The volumes begin as follows: _Wide Awake_, December and June; _Chautauqua Young Folks’ Journal_, December; _Pansy_, November; _Our Little Men and Women_, January; _Babyland_, January.
[Sidenote: Requirements]
No deviation in prices; no credit (send name, address and money together); remit by post-office money order, by American Express Company’s money order, by registered letter or by bank check (postage stamps may be sent in registered letters for change); write plainly and fully; give subscribers’ full addresses (they may be different); sign your name and give your full address in every communication.
The foregoing relates to premiums sent within the United States.
[Sidenote: Beyond the United States]
To the British North American Colonies other premiums have to be sent by express, the receiver paying whatever costs the tariff may impose; but magazines and books may be sent to these colonies by mail. There is a duty on books; not on magazines.
[Sidenote: Premiums for sale]
Things in the List are also sold for money, payment in advance, no discount, no charge for packing, sent at receiver’s cost and risk.
[Sidenote: Delays]
Wait for return mail and a week besides before you conclude your letter or our reply has gone astray; then write particulars: date of your sending, how you remitted, how much.
[Sidenote: The first thing to do]
The first step to take is to send us 15 cents for specimen copies of all five magazines, subscription blanks and other helps.
D LOTHROP COMPANY PUBLISHERS OF BOOKS AND MAGAZINES BOSTON
PREMIUM LIST OF THE LOTHROP MAGAZINES
Jack-straws, two sets. Prices 25 and 50 cents; for 30 and 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents. One set contains more pieces and also more sorts—ladders, spades, hoes, mallets, arrows, etc., of variously-colored wood.
Cultivates delicate handling and ingenuity.
* * * * *
Puzzle Map of the United States, on oblong paper blocks to be matched together. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 6 cents.
Teaches what we elders need to study—where the States are.
* * * * *
The Frisky Cow. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 44 cents—express may be less. Size 6 by 8 by 12 inches.
For little people. Johnny rolls the ball and hits the knob on the right, rings a bell and counts 10. Susan hits the middle knob, counts 20, and the cow jumps over the moon.
One of the jolliest toys we know of.
* * * * *
Shadow Transformations. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 6 cents.
Figures cut out of cards cast shadows from any sort of light. The shadows are silhouette pictures. The combinations are hundreds. There is more fun in them than we can put on paper.
Stimulates invention and design; for nobody stops with these cards.
* * * * *
Toy Money in a cash-box. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 4 cents.
The coins are printed card-board copies like the picture, only full size.
“Playing store” teaches the little merchants a great deal more than arithmetic; and how can they make change without money?
* * * * *
Historiscope. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
A panorama of scenes in American history, with a brief “lecture.” You turn that little crank, and the “lecture” explains the pictures.
* * * * *
American Toy Village. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 12 cents.
The buildings etc., which are painted wood, may be arranged on the lithographed “plan” as in the picture, or on a table, or lawn, or sand.
* * * * *
Words and Sentences, a game, variations of which are known by several other names, Logomachy, War of Words, etc. Price 25 or 50 cents; for 30 or 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents and 7 cents. Two styles, one more substantial than the other and in wood box.
A family game by no means confined to children. Cultivates knowledge of words and facility in their use.
* * * * *
Checker Men. Price 10 cents; for 15 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 7 cents.
Thirty double-face pieces 1¼ inches diameter.
* * * * *
Halma. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 22 cents.
“The only important board game purely of skill invented since checkers and chess.” Introduced two years ago and said to be very popular. Large flat folding paper board and box with men and instructions.
* * * * *
Chess, Checkers and Halma in one. Price $1.75; for $2 in new subscriptions. Goes by express.
Checker board on one side, halma on the other, with cherry frame and trough for the men, 19x19 inches: chess, checkers and halma men and directions for halma.
* * * * *
Carpet Bowls. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 32 cents.
Like quoits, except that the balls are rolled instead of tossed, and the hub is a ball that gets moved about as the game goes on.
* * * * *
Snap. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 4 cents.
Teaches quickness.
* * * * *
Social Hours. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
A pamphlet of games, tricks, illusions and puzzles, with a box of requisite things to play with. A very large number; too many to count.
* * * * *
Matched Pictures, scenes in the far West. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 7 cents.
Forty oblong pieces go together in a great many ways and make as many different pictures.
* * * * *
Doll’s Dressmaking Bazaar. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 25 cents.
Paper dolls’ heads, arms, legs, dress-stuffs, laces, ornaments; an immense variety. Patterns to cut by. Instructions. The figures are handsomely lithographed on varnished paper.
* * * * *
Interchangeable Combination Circus. Price 75 cents; for 90 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 20 cents.
A set of sectional pictures. The circus performs whatever part of the programme you choose amid the huzzahs of the spectators.
* * * * *
Evening Party. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 6 cents.
A boxful of games, puzzles, charades, rebuses, tricks, conundrums, etc.; a houseful of frolic and fun.
* * * * *
Checker and Backgammon boards, hinged boxes, with dice-cups and men. No 1, 8x14 inches closed, price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 25 cents. No. 2, 7x12, price 75 cents; for 90 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 20 cents. No. 3, 6x10½, price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 12 cents. They differ also in wood and finish.
* * * * *
Kindergarten souvenir-material (Bradley’s). Tinted card with diagrams and colored illustrations, by which children are taught to cut, fold, embroider and make a great variety of beautiful useful things. A generous boxful. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 26 cents.
* * * * *
Chess Men. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
* * * * *
Building Blocks. Price 25 and 50 cents; for 30 and 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 30 and 60 cents. Express may be less.
As many blocks as cents; not painted.
* * * * *
Fascinator, balls and cues, indoors or out. The boys will know the rest from the picture. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions.
Teaches skill with eye and hand.
* * * * *
Kindergarten Occupation. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 32 cents.
Weaving, embroidering, ring-laying, stick-laying, etc. A large box of materials with instructions.
* * * * *
Pitch-a-Ring and Ring Toss. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 40 cents—express may be less.
The rings are made pretty and soft with plaiting of colored cotton, and the box they come in serves for base.
* * * * *
Go Bang, Tivoli, and Fox and Geese. Price $1.25; for $1.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 33 cents.
Leather-covered two-book-shape box, 2x7½x14 inches, turned wood men.
* * * * *
Parcheesi. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 25 cents.
Size of closed board 9½x18½x⅜ inches. Brass-bound paper men; dice-boxes.
* * * * *
Checkered Game of Life. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
Size of closed board 8x16⅜ inches; wood men; counters; teetotum.
* * * * *
Set of Games No. 1 containing each in a box: A lot of puzzles; Old Maid; Round Up; Five Senses; Old Salt’s Yarn; Auction; Scramble; Steeple-Chase. Price 15 cents each; any three for 50 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents each.
* * * * *
Set of Games No. 2 containing each in a little box: Old Maid; Jack Straws; Fortunes; Seth Spook’s Visit to Chicago; Beast, Bird, Fish; Go Bang; Selected Authors; Riddles; Optical Illusions; Tortoise and Hare; Siege; Historical Dates. 6 cents each; any four for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 5 cents for the four.
* * * * *
Old Maid improved. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 4 cents.
* * * * *
Solitaire. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 25 cents.
With bowls for marbles in play and a drawer.
* * * * *
Perfection folding table. Price $1.25; for $1.50 in new subscriptions. By express.
Top 19x30 inches and adjustable to eight heights between 23½ and 29 inches. Half-yard inch measure and checkers on it.
* * * * *
Postage-stamp album with classified spaces for 2400 stamps and 264 engravings. Price 50 cents (cloth binding 75 cents); for 60 cents in new subscriptions (cloth binding for 90 cents). Postage 5 cents.
* * * * *
One hundred postage stamps to begin with; price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Savings Bank. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 17 cents.
The music and dancing last half a minute after a penny is put into it. Goes by clock-work. Well made and not likely to get out of order. The music is imaginary, except the clatter of the dancer’s feet.
* * * * *
Printing outfit. Price $2.50; for $3 in new subscriptions.
Consists of a practical press of the slightest possible character, roller, one font of type, one case, leads, furniture, ink and fifty cards. Weight of the whole in a box about seven pounds. A boy with the requisite printing wit can do small jobs with it. Size of chase 2x3½ inches.
* * * * *
Woods Air Line Gun. Price $1; for $1.10 in new subscriptions. Postage 30 cents.
The “barrel” is a straight wire; the bullet a wood spool; the force a coil of steel wire. Target with pocket to catch the bullets. Also a torpedo target.
Bullets for the Woods gun; 25 for 10 cents; for 15 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 5 cents.
* * * * *
Doll’s Britannia Tea-set. Price 25 cents; for 35 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 12 cents.
About 20 pieces, teapot 3 inches high.
* * * * *
Sand-mill, that is, a water-wheel driven by sand instead of water, with a wooden man pretending to turn the crank outside. The mechanical boy will rig a pulley and get a good deal of work out of it. Sand play is the chief amusement of children at the seaside.
Price 25 cents; for 35 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
* * * * *
Toy scales 6½ inches long. Price 25 cents; for 35 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 17 cents.
* * * * *
Locomotive and tender of malleable iron japanned and gilt. Connecting-rods work, wheels turn and bell rings. 20 inches long, and weighs seven pounds. None so substantial and life-like ever made before for anything like the money. Price $2; for $2.50 in new subscriptions. Western orders filled from Chicago to save express.
* * * * *
Whistle. Price 30 cents; for 35 cents in new subscriptions.
Celluloid; looks like ivory. Trills.
* * * * *
Musical top. Price 30 cents; for 35 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 4 cents.
Reeds inside of it, sing as it spins and change their notes with a touch.
* * * * *
Locomotive 12-inch. Price $2; for $2.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 35 cents.
Goes by clock-work. Gong in the cab rings loudly.
* * * * *
Locomotive engine 10 inches long. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 30 cents.
Goes by clock-work. Bell does not ring.
* * * * *
Weeden engine. Price $1.25; for $1.35 in new subscriptions. Postage 35 cents.
Quite an elaborate, handsome and well-made engine, 8½ inches high, with safety-valve, whistle, smoke-stack, thumb-screws to let steam on and off and to whistle, heavy fly-wheel and double pulley. Goes half an hour with one firing and watering. Made of nickeled tin and brass. Power enough for a great variety of play-work.
* * * * *
Engine. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 5 cents.
A little rough; but a boy can whittle it smooth; 5 inches high; with all the necessary parts. Goes as long as the water and alcohol last and drives a little light machinery. Even this is enough to find out a boy with mechanical bent.
* * * * *
Propeller “Neptune,” an iron boat 10 inches long with a working engine strong enough to drive it briskly across the mill-pond for 20 or 30 minutes. Not really iron; mostly brass; the hull painted black with red stripe along the gunwale. A saucy craft, but not at all dangerous.
Price $2.25; for $2.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
* * * * *
Revolving Wall Blackboard and desk slate. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions.
Size 16½x17 inches, including frame and trough for eraser and crayons. Outline designs on frame for drawing.
* * * * *
Doll’s Folding Chair. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 7 cents.
Natural cherry, surprisingly well made and smooth. The seat is of pretty cretonne. Total height 11½ inches.
* * * * *
Doll’s High Chair with table-leaf and wood tea-set. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 11 cents.
Daintily made of fine white-wood printed to imitate cane seat, etc.
It comes “flat;” and dolly’s maternal uncle puts it together. Foot-and-a-half high.
* * * * *
Doll’s Chamber Set. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions.
Cherry, four pieces: bedstead 17x8x9 inches, bureau with bright tin mirror, pretty folding chair and table. All come “flat” and go together beautifully.
* * * * *
Doll’s Carriage. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 8 cents. A folding easy chair on wheels; fine white-wood; pretty cretonne seat; arms of bright silk cord.
* * * * *
Dolly’s Own Album of nearly two hundred transfer pictures; 7 cents; for 10 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Folding Desk Blackboard with rolling sheet of more than a hundred designs for drawing. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions.
Height 3 feet; blackboard 14x18 inches.
* * * * *
Doll’s Cradle. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
White-wood, 7½ x 8½ x 16 inches. Comes “flat.”
* * * * *
Sliced Animals. Price 30 cents; for 40 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 12 cents.
Colored pictures of animals on strips of card-board with letters on one end. When the strips are put together right the animal’s name is there too.
* * * * *
Sliced Objects. Price 30 cents; for 40 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 12 cents.
Yacht, engine, boat, car, fort, church, house, dam, bridge, coach, fountain, statue; all on strips and mixed together.
* * * * *
Sliced Birds. Price 30 cents; for 40 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 12 cents.
* * * * *
Britannia Collapsing Cup in a tin box. Price 20 cents; for 25 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 7 cents.
* * * * *
Nickeled Collapsing Cup in a watch-case. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 7 cents.
* * * * *
Dominoes. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
In neat and substantial wood box.
* * * * *
Triumph toy Clothes-wringer, handy for small pieces as well as for dolly’s things. Rolls three inches long. Works perfectly. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
* * * * *
Doll, No. 204, 20½-inches high, undressed, except chemise trimmed with lace and ribbon, bisque head, arms and legs, washable. Price $1.25; for $1.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 30 cents.
* * * * *
Dressed Doll Nellie, 14 inches high, in full summer dress set off with lace and ribbons, hat, lace hose and leather shoes; bisque head, arms and legs. Price $1.25; for $1.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 25 cents.
* * * * *
In-door Ball. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions.
Very light rubber, 3¼-inch blown up.
* * * * *
Doll’s Tea-set. Price $1.25; for $1.60 in new subscriptions.
China, gayly decorated, 20 to 25 pieces. Cups about 2 inches across; tea-pot 5 inches high.
* * * * *
Drawing Teacher. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 7 cents.
Thick paper stencils for pencil drawings; designs; a supply of suitable paper.
* * * * *
Drum. Price $1.25; for $1.50 in new subscriptions.
Hammered brass body; sheepskin heads; red-white-and-blue cords and belt; 13 inch.
* * * * *
Daisy Ten-pins. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 30 cents.
The pins are lithographed figures of boys and girls in holiday dress and the balls are solid gilt.
* * * * *
Tin Kitchen. Price 60 cents; for 75 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 30 cents.
Size 7x12x4 inches; about 20 pieces; pump pumps water.
* * * * *
Fire Engine. Price $6; for $6.50 in new subscriptions.
Pumps from a reservoir, and at the same time throws a continuous stream. Consists of boiler, engine, force-pump, water and steam gauges, air-chamber, hose and hose-pipe. Size 5x10½x9 inches, exclusive of pole. The machine is an excellent one; the engraving is not a good one.
* * * * *
Doll’s Head No. 38-24, bisque, 3 inches across shoulders. Price 30 cents; for 40 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 7 cents.
* * * * *
Doll’s Head No. 710, bisque, 3½ inch, closing eyes, fine curls. Price 75 cents; for $1 in new subscriptions. Postage 8 cents.
* * * * *
Doll’s Wash-set. Price 25 cents; for 35 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 30 cents.
Tub 9 x 5 inches. The wringer does not wring.
* * * * *
Fairy Sewing-machine. Price $3; for $3.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 35 cents.
Actually sews, and is really useful to put in one’s trunk for a summer trip—the best of hand sewing-machines are silly at home.
This isn’t silly, because it teaches dolly’s mamma to cut and make her own dresses. An excellent play-thing for an industrious little girl, though we suppose it is made for serious use. Size 5x6 inches.
* * * * *
Japanese Tivoli, Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 20 cents.
Jap lies on his back, heels up, with a marble in the bowl on his boots, Tommy touches the spring and counts according to where the marble goes.
* * * * *
Large Jack-knife. Price 75 cents; for 90 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 4 cents.
* * * * *
Bull’s-eye lantern. Price 75 cents; for 90 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 20 cents.
For hand or belt; 3-inch lens.
* * * * *
A good photographing outfit complete for $2.50—Horsman’s “Eclipse”—for $2.75 in new subscriptions.
There is no better for less than $10. It is not good enough to take portraits. It is good enough for views containing persons or groups. That is, it gives attitudes and aspects perfectly; not the fine details of expression and feature. For ten cents we send two specimen photographs (largest size, 3x4 inches) taken with it.
An average boy or girl of twelve years can use it successfully and make about as good pictures with it as with any $10 camera.
The outfit consists of a small camera covered with imitation morocco, six rapid dry plates, two japanned-iron trays, two bottles of developer, package of hypo-sulphite of soda, printing-frame, six sheets of silvered and six of blue-print paper, bottle of toning solution, dozen card mounts, plate-lifter, sheet of ruby paper, directions for making a cheap ruby lamp, and full instructions for every part of the work. Weight about 3½ pounds; postage 60 cents—express may be less.
After supplies—Particulars in a circular sent on request.
* * * * *
Foot-ball, two sizes, 6 and 9 inch. Prices $1 and $1.50; for $1.25 and $1.75 in new subscriptions. Postage on either 10 cents.
Made of heavy canvas coated with rubber, stout, blown up with key.
* * * * *
Village Blacksmith. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
The blower works the bellows and the blacksmith wields his hammer. Worked by the engine.
* * * * *
Fishing outfit. Price $1.15; for $1.35 in new subscriptions. Postage 20 cents.
12-foot jointed rod, brass tips and ferrules, bob, sinkers, 36-foot line, dozen assorted hooks, pickerel trolling-hook, ganged hooks with hair or gut snell, flies, and bait-box. Neat and substantial.
* * * * *
“Winchester” double-barrel Rifle. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
A rather easy gun. Covered-rubber spring.
* * * * *
Wilcox target Gun. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 20 cents.
Covered-rubber spring; removable cross-piece; bayonet; breech box for darts and targets.
* * * * *
“Dr. Carver” Gun. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 17 cents.
A savage rubber-spring gun adjustable as to force.
* * * * *
“World” Type-Writer. Price $8; for $10 in new subscriptions.
It is with gratification as complete as it was unexpected that we put this machine in the list.
It prints more neatly and perfectly than the Remington; not so fast and not so easily. A scholar’s type-writer; a type-writer for business not requiring speed or amount of work. Whoever wants a type-writer but has too little use for it to justify paying a hundred dollars for it, he is the man or woman, boy or girl for whom this machine is exactly right.
Nobody wants to take the time to acquire facility with a type-writer that amounts to nothing after he has learned it. The limit of the value of the “World” is its speed; which is from twenty to thirty words a minute. We hear that sixty words a minute has been attained. We are sure of thirty. Weight in box 5 lbs.
We are not permitted to sell it for money; only with subscriptions.
* * * * *
Wringer with folding bench. Price $6; for $6.50 in new subscriptions.
Better than a tub wringer can be; handier; more substantial. Altogether the best of wringing devices. Folds into small floor-space. The proper place for it is where the family does its own work and wants the best facilities.
* * * * *
Wringer. Price $2.75; for $3.50 in new subscriptions. The simplest of all the wringers. You put it on the tub; and the wringing pressure is on. Take it off the tub; and the pressure is off the rolls. For this reason the rolls are less likely to be injured by careless or ignorant treatment than those of any other style of wringer.
* * * * *
Orchestra. Price $1; $1.10 in new subscriptions. Postage 7 cents.
Lithographed figures on blocks worked by cranks and a belt from the engine.
* * * * *
Musician. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 5 cents.
Worked by a belt from the engine.
* * * * *
Sawyer. Price 40 cents; for 50 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents.
Worked by a belt from the engine.
* * * * *
Bradley’s Authors. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 7 cents.
The best game of the name [there are many]; and best material; waterproof cards.
* * * * *
Tennis outfit. Price $20; for $30 in new subscriptions.
Consists of 4 “Standard” rackets, 6 regulation balls, regulation net 36x3 feet, poles, guys, ropes, pegs, mallet and book of the game.
* * * * *
“Standard” tennis racket. Price $3; for $4 in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
* * * * *
“Peerless” tennis racket. Price $5.50; for $7.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
* * * * *
Croquet outfit for eight players. Price $3; for $4 in new subscriptions.
Maple.
* * * * *
Luminous Match-safe. Price 20 cents; for 25 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents.
The word MATCHES shines at night enough to guide you to the box.
* * * * *
Monogram-stamping outfit. Two letters 50 cents, three letters 80 cents; for 60 cents and $1 in new subscriptions. Postage on either 5 cents.
Consists of rubber stamp (whatever letters you want—size of letter ½-inch), indelible ink for clothing, red ink, bronze, and pads.
* * * * *
Watson’s book-carrier. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 8 cents.
* * * * *
Set of four rubber combs in a handy box. Price 50 cents; for 65 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 7 cents.
Coarse comb, fine comb, child’s comb, pocket comb.
* * * * *
Stamping outfit for embroidery etc., a generous one. The maker calls it $5-worth, but sells it for $1. For $1.10 in new subscriptions.
Daisy alphabet 2½ inches high; roses 8x14; pond lilies 17x7½; pansies 3½x6; stork 7x11; bird and cherries 6x7; etc, etc. (large enough pieces); powder, pads, instructions.
* * * * *
Pocket-knife No. 836. Price $1.25; for $1.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 4 cents.
Pearl handle, fine, substantial, 3 inches long.
* * * * *
Magic Pocket-knife. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 2 cents.
* * * * *
Chased rubber handle with nickeled trimmings. A dainty knife of middling quality; not a whittler. Hold the blade-end down and press on top; the blade pops “open.” Reverse to “shut” it.
* * * * *
Button-hole shears. Price $1.25; for $1.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents.
Adjustable for length of hole with a gauge for distance.
* * * * *
Shears. Price 80 cents; for $1 in new subscriptions. Postage 7 cents.
Japanned handles and nickeled blades; length 8 inches.
* * * * *
Scissors. Price 80 cents; for $1 in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents.
Nickeled.
* * * * *
Ladies’ pearl-handle Knife. Price $1.50; for $1.75 in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents.
Terry’s; length 2½ inches; fine design and finish.
* * * * *
Magic Slate-cleaner; price 6 cents; for 10 cents in new subscriptions.
A wood water-bottle with a valve in the cork and a sponge on the side. You touch the slate with the point and let out a drop of water. Then the sponge.
* * * * *
Caw Stylographic Pen. Price $1.50; for $1.75 in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents.
To one who writes much a stylograph is a great convenience. It is really an ink-pencil. There are many makes. The Caw is the simplest; very likely the best, for dealers say that nobody finds any fault with it.
* * * * *
Ladies’ gold pen with pearl holder. Price $2.25; for $3.00 in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents.
* * * * *
Gold-plated pencil. Price 50 cents; for 75 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Gold-plated pencil watch-charm. Price 50 cents; for 75 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Perfection Hammock—and the hammock is as good as its name—knotted all through and does not slip; soft, elastic, abundantly strong, with galvanized iron rings at the ends. A perfect hammock.
Number Size Price in money Price in new subscriptions Postage A1 5x14 ft. $4 $5 $0.60 1 4½x13 2.50 3 .60 2 4x12 1.75 2.50 .40 3 3½x11 1.50 2 .25 4 3x11 1.10 1.50 .20
There is as much difference in hammocks as in “easy” chairs. Some are anything but easy. Nobody knows how easy a hammock can be till he has gone to sleep in this Perfection.
* * * * *
Hammock-spreader. Price 35 cents a pair; for 50 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 25 cents.
A hammock is twice as good with a spreader.
* * * * *
There is an outside door-mat so good that every civilized door where muddy feet have to come—there are thousands of such—will have it sooner or later. And one is enough; for it lasts forever.
There is nothing else a tenth so good. It almost keeps itself clean. A jar dislodges the worst and thickest of mud.
The Hartman steel-wire mat. An open springy texture of wire to scrape on—galvanized spring-steel wire—no rust, no wear—like a wire mattress but thicker and closer. You scrape on it, step on it, stamp on it, tramp on it fearlessly. The stickiest mud becomes innocent dust underneath and is swept away next morning. A pretty full account of it sent on request.
The price of the mat is $4, more or less according to size. The $4 size is a good one, 22x30 inches. You earn it by getting $4.50 in new subscriptions. To save express we send it from the manufacturer’s nearest office nearest to you.
The makers are doing their best to supply the quick demand from the cities. They would be overwhelmed if the country were equally ready. But where is a perfect mat most useful, where there are pavements or no pavements?
* * * * *
Postage-stamp holder inside your pocket-book. Price 15 cents; for 20 cents in new subscriptions.
Nickel; the picture shows it open inside a pocket-book. Handy out of all proportions to its cost.
* * * * *
Bissell Carpet-sweeper. Price $3; for $3.25 in new subscriptions.
Not a housewife rich enough to own a carpet would do without a sweeper if she knew how great relief a good one brings on sweeping and dusting day.
It sweeps cleaner than a broom and easier, makes no dust, and does nine-tenths of the work, leaving only an inch or two along the sides of a room and little corners—these must be swept with a broom—and it drops the dust with a touch on a spring as shown in the picture. That band around the sweeper is a rubber cushion to keep it from bruising furniture.
Three-fourths of all the carpet-sweepers in the world are made by one factory, the Bissell Carpet-Sweeper Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Of course they make good ones. The fact is, they control the really useful inventions and nobody else is allowed to make good sweepers at all. But their prices are fair.
There are several styles and sizes. We choose the best brush with common finish.
* * * * *
Cabinet Book-rack. Price $2; for $2.25 in new subscriptions.
Maple, fine finish, brass trimmings, lock, and goes together without nail or screws; 24x23x6½ inches; packs flat.
* * * * *
Shawl-strap. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 6 cents.
The tapes are tightened by turning the handle.
* * * * *
Common shawl-strap. Price 35 cents; for 50 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 6 cents.
Leather handle and straps to buckle.
* * * * *
Desk and blackboard in one. Price $2; for $2.50 in new subscriptions.
Ash with walnut trimmings, top of enameled cloth, lock, pigeon-holes, 25x25x19 inches; packs flat.
* * * * *
“Favorite” table with drawer, top of enameled cloth, 31x27x19 inches, chestnut. Price $1.50; for $1.75 in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Ice-cream Freezer, the best one we know of. 2-quart; price $2.25; for $2.75 in new subscriptions. 3-quart; price $2.75; for $3.25 in new subscriptions. 4-quart; price $3.50; for $4 in new subscriptions. 6-quart; price $4.25; for $5 in new subscriptions. 10-quart; price $7.75; for $8.75 in new subscriptions. Made every way for the very best results. The tub of clear pine made waterproof; the metallic parts of malleable iron plated with tin. [Zinc makes a poisonous oxide.]
* * * * *
Kaleidoscope. Price $3; for $3.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 30 cents.
The name is meant to signify sights of beauty. The kaleidoscope is a maker of sights of beauty. We are indebted to it for combinations of color and form in geometrical decorations. Chance is at the bottom of them all. By taking out two small screws you get at the easy secret.
* * * * *
Spy-glass 15 inches long drawn out and 6 shut up, inch object-glass, magnifies 13 times (the maker says). Price $2.50; for $3.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 12 cents.
* * * * *
Spy-glass a trifle larger, magnifies 16 times (the maker says). Price $3.50; for $4.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 13 cents.
* * * * *
Spy-glass 30 inches long drawn out and 10 shut up, 1⅝-inch object glass, said to magnify 25 times. Price $7; for $8.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 50 cents—express may be less.
* * * * *
Two lenses mounted in brass; one of highest possible power for transparent objects; the other with larger field on stand for general use. Price of both together 50 cents. For 60 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Pocket Magnifying Glass, three lenses, horn case. Price 90 cents; for $1.10 in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Square Reading-glass. Price $2; for $2.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
1¾x3½-inch double-convex lens.
* * * * *
Reading-glass. Price $1.50; for $1.75 in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
2⅞-inch lens.
* * * * *
Stereoscope on pillar. Price $1.25, for $1.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 25 cents.
* * * * *
Better Stereoscope. Price $1.25; for $1.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 20 cents.
* * * * *
Half-dozen Stereoscopic Views. Price 40 cents; for 50 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 5 cents.
* * * * *
Microscope. Price 60 cents; for 75 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 4 cents.
* * * * *
Microscope No. 42½. Price 85 cents; for $1 in new subscriptions. Postage 4 cents.
* * * * *
Lester Scroll Saw and Lathe. Price $10; for $12 in new subscriptions.
Considered the best and most complete of the saws to be got for less than $20.
With nickeled tilting table; roller in table back of the saw which makes it run remarkably true; clamps hold any thickness of saw; clamps adjustable right or left, forward or back so that the blade can be kept in perfect line; with 3-inch circular saw on 3x4-inch iron table capable of cutting half-inch lumber; solid emery wheel; drilling attachment with six Stubbs drills; lathe attachment with iron ways and rests, steel centers and three fine turning tools—length of bed 15 inches, distance between centers 9 inches, swing 3 inches, length of slide-rest 4 inches; six saw-blades, wrench, screw-driver, two sheets of designs; neat box for small tools; guide.
A very important recent invention used in this machine is a clamp and strainer in one, by which at a touch of a lever the saw-blade is instantly clamped and strained. The remarkable accuracy of this saw is due to the roller in the table, another recent invention.
* * * * *
Bracket-saw outfit. Price $1.25; for $1.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 18 cents.
Nickeled spring-steel saw-frame 5x12 inches with peculiar clamps, six saw-blades, awl, sheet carbon paper, fifty designs full-size.
* * * * *
Bracket-work Drill No. 4. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 12 cents.
Iron 8-inch drill-stock, steel chuck and six points.
* * * * *
Carving-tools. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
Rosewood handles, fine tools and ready sharp.
* * * * *
Rogers Scroll Saw. Price $3.50; for $4.25 in new subscriptions.
The best of the low-price saws.
All iron; neatly japanned; parts interchangeable; bearings in perfect line; with blower; jointed stretcher-rod; clamps with hinged jaw, which avoids the overthrow of the blade, friction, strain and frequent breaking; 4¼-inch balance-wheel with rim of solid emery; drilling attachment on the right; and the whole machine is secured by screw-bolts wherever needed—no pins; six saw-blades, wrench, sheet of designs, three drill points. Rich in appearance, compact, strong, effective, easy, firm and durable. Weight in box 36 pounds.
* * * * *
Key-hole Saw and ½ dozen blades. Price 40 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 5 cents.
The blade, which is 8½ inches long, can be set in the handle so that only the point projects.
* * * * *
Saw-blades, ½ gross assorted sizes. Price 65 cents; given for 85 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Manual of Wood-carving by Charles Leland. Price 35 cents; for 50 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Graves’ Automatic Drill-stock and dozen points. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 5 cents.
Drills with one hand the most delicate wood without splitting. Can be used where bit-brace, gimlet or brad-awl are not available.
* * * * *
Glass-cutter, Knife-sharpener, Can-opener, Cork-screw. Price 10 cents; for 15 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Tool-holder No. 5. Price $1.50; for $2 in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
Rosewood 7½-inch handle holds the tools; nickeled steel chuck; nine fine 4-inch tools. Indispensable.
* * * * *
Glass-cutter and Putty-knife. Price 10 cents; for 15 cents in new subscriptions.
Better than diamond in inexperienced hands.
* * * * *
Numerical frame; 60 cents; for 75 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 25 cents.
An arithmetic school as well as a pretty and interesting plaything. The frame is maple; the balls red, green and black.
* * * * *
Tip-Top self-inking one-line Stamp. Price 60 cents; for 70 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 4 cents.
With two lines of type; 75 cents; for 85 cents in new subscriptions.
With three lines of small type; 85 cents; for $1 in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Wax night-lights. Price 40 cents for a dozen box; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 8 cents.
Burn eight hours apiece with a steady little light, no smoke or smell.
* * * * *
Night lamp with shade to soften the light. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 23 cents.
For burning wax lights. Not necessary; the lights may stand in a saucer.
* * * * *
Family printing-outfit for marking linen, printing cards, etc. Price $1.50; for $2 in new subscriptions. Postage 11 cents.
Nickeled holder, movable rubber type on metal body, pads, tweezers, indelible ink.
* * * * *
Dover Egg-beater. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions.
The best there is for few eggs.
* * * * *
Binder for magazines. Price 75 cents; for $1 in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
Almost like book-binding, as shown in the cut. One style stamped Wide Awake; another The Pansy.
* * * * *
Ready Binder for papers and pamphlets; length 8 inches. Price 8 cents; for 10 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Lambie’s Dictionary holder. Price $5; for $5.50 in new subscriptions.
Beyond all comparison the best of them all. Adjustable to size of book, to height of stand, and angle at which the book is held. Revolves. On casters.
* * * * *
Beginnings with the Microscope, a working handbook, by Walter P. Manton, M. D. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Practical Boat-Sailing, on small boats and yachts, with vocabulary of nautical terms, by Douglas Frazar. Price $1; for $1.20 in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Hunter’s Handbook, by an old hunter. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions.
Hints about camping out and life in the woods.
* * * * *
Handbook of Wood Engraving, by William A. Emerson, wood engraver. Price $1; for $1.20 in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Taxidermy without a Teacher: an illustrated book of instruction on preparing and preserving birds, animals, fishes, eggs and skeletons; with recipes. By Walter P. Manton. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Field Botany, an illustrated hand-book for the collector, containing instruction for gathering and preserving plants for the herbarium, also instructions in leaf-photography, plant-printing and the skeletonizing of leaves. By Walter P. Manton. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Lessons in Candy Making. By Catherine Owen. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions.
The author says “I have written these lessons for intelligent women who cannot leave home to help them make money.” And she quotes from an Englishwoman pupil-reader “I can make as delicious candies as ever I ate in Paris.”
For a like reason we put her book in the List.
* * * * *
Insects: how to catch and prepare them for the Cabinet; an illustrated book of instructions for the field naturalist. By Walter P. Manton. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Shakespeare. Price $8; for $10 in new subscriptions. By express at receiver’s cost.
Handy Volume edition; 13 small volumes, flexible, cloth.
* * * * *
Mayflower Pocket Cook-stove and Boiler. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
All nickeled; burns about ½ hour.
* * * * *
Larger Pocket Cook-stove. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 20 cents.
With quart boiler and gridiron. Boils water enough for a cup of coffee in five minutes.
* * * * *
Alcohol-flask for pocket stove. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 5 cents.
* * * * *
Lambie’s revolving Book-stand and Dictionary-holder. Price $9; for $10 in new subscriptions. By express.
Size of book-case 16x16 inches. The upper shelf is available also.
* * * * *
Universal Garden-tool. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 35 cents—express may be less.
Many good tools in one: the hoe is also a spade, shovel, scraper and ice-cutter; the rake is also a fork and hook—there may be other uses. The dotted lines show the positions of both on the handle.
WHITING’S INDELIBLE INK COLORS Etc.
We commend the following seven with all the more satisfaction because the market is full of pretentious stuff under similar names but of very little value. These are exactly what the descriptions call for. Circular sent on request.
* * * * *
Whiting’s Indelible Laundry Ink, for marking without preparation. Price 25 cents; for 35 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Whiting’s Magic Indelible Ink, for marking difficult stuffs without exposure to sun or heat. Price 60 cents; for 80 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
* * * * *
Whiting’s Etching Ink for etching on linen, with supply of pens and “preparation.” Price $1; for $1.10 in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
* * * * *
Whiting’s Tracing-box. Price $1; for $1.35 in new subscriptions.
The glass is 8x12 inches. Must go by express.
* * * * *
Whiting’s Etching Designs at the rate of $1 for $1.10 in new subscriptions. List sent on application.
* * * * *
Whiting’s Transparent Colors for coloring photographs; box of ten colors. Price $3; for $3.25 in new subscriptions.
Half-case with five colors. Price $1.75; for $2 in new subscriptions. Must go by express.
* * * * *
Whiting’s Special Instructions for etching on linen. Price $1; for $1.10 in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Towel-holder. Price 15 cents; for 20 cents in new subscriptions.
Nickel; about the size of a silver dollar.
* * * * *
Splasher-bracket. Price 30 cents; for 35 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 7 cents.
Black inch pegs; nickeled 33-inch rod.
* * * * *
Towel-bracket. Price 30 cents; for 35 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 6 cents.
The pegs are enameled black; the rod is bright nickel, 18 inches long.
* * * * *
Roll Dressing-case. Price $6; for $7.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
Box dressing-case. Price $6; for $7.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
Both the above are neat and substantial leather cases with first-class furnishings, but without extravagance.
* * * * *
Perfection Lemon-Squeezer. Price 35 cents; for 40 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 6 cents.
Not a squeezer at all, but better. Press half a lemon down over the burr and turn it round with the hand.
The burr cuts the pulp, dislodges the juice and saves it all without squeezing the bitter oil of lemon out of the rind. No seeds, no waste, no spattering.
* * * * *
Cold stove-door Knob. Price 6 cents; for 8 cents in new subscriptions.
Wood handle; hangs on the knob, saves burning the fingers.
* * * * *
Dust-pan. Price 25 cents; for 35 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 12 cents.
Japanned-steel; propped up behind in position to use so that one need not stoop to hold it by hand—a touch with the foot is enough.
* * * * *
Kerosene-brick for burning kerosene in any cook-stove, heater or open fire-place, as kindler or fuel. Porous fire brick.
We do not know (at the time of writing) its limit of value, having only just now got it. It is safe—no doubt of that. It is the best kindler ever discovered—no doubt of that. But to what extent it is going to be used for summer fuel and fuel for transient occasions of all sorts we do not know. It is a new thing of very great importance everywhere. We therefore state what we know of it carefully.
The reason why it does not explode is that the oil is fast in the pores of the brick and can’t get out, except as it is slowly driven out by the fire. Kerosene lamps are dangerous; but you are careful with them. There is no possible way in which the kerosene-brick can explode. The only harm that can come of it is through keeping a larger supply of kerosene for fuel then you would keep for light. The answer to that is that a barrel is no worse than a pint. Either is enough to blow a house into kindling-wood.
The reason why it is the best kindler is that it is the cheapest—in other respects it is not much better than pitch-pine.
Tradesmen are likely to overstate the cheapness of it; but it is very cheap—how cheap depends, of course, on the cost of your kerosene; and that is so different in different parts of the country that we cannot give the cost of using the kerosene-brick. It saves its cost in wood perhaps ten times over.
It makes smoke and soot; but they go up chimney.
The first cost of the kerosene-brick is as follows:[A]
No. 1. Price 35 cents; for 40 cents in new subscriptions. No. 2. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. No. 3. Price 75 cents; for 85 cents in new subscriptions. No. 4. Price $1.20; for $1.35 in new subscriptions. No. 5. Price $1.75; for $2 in new subscriptions. No. 6. Price $1.50; for $1.70 in new subscriptions.
And you want a peculiar sort of tongs (see the cut) for handling the kerosene-brick. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions.
To save express charges, we ship from the manufacturer’s nearest place of business (nearest to you) wherever that may be.
There is going to be a kerosene-brick of a shape to imitate wood for use in open fire-places. Not yet made and may not be so handy to fill. By the way, we haven’t told how to fill the kerosene-brick.
“No. 1” above means a tin can with three small kerosene-bricks in it. You take out one of the bricks, fill the can with kerosene and let it stand fifteen minutes or over night. The two bricks are ready for use any minute and stay so indefinitely. The smallest is big enough for kindling. Maker’s circular sent.
[Footnote A: These are the maker’s prices in Boston. Beyond New England the local prices will vary. We hear they are double out West. We go by Boston prices, wherever you are.]
Ignites with a match. You put it out by dipping it in water. Throwing water on it does not put it out.
* * * * *
Set of little flower-garden tools. Price 30 cents; for 40 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 18 cents.
Good tools and large enough; hoe and rake 14-inch, blades 3½-inch; fork and trowel 11-inch.
* * * * *
Spice-Box. Price 75 cents; for 85 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 25 cents.
Japanned-tin, 7-inch and 2-inch.
* * * * *
Vegetable-masher, sauce-strainer and handy squeezer for twenty uses. Price 65 cents; for 75 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 18 cents.
Large enough for two or three small potatoes. Really it is not a potato-masher. It turns potatoes into a different sort of edible, lighter, bulkier, mealier. Let them go into it steaming hot; let the masher itself be hot; receive the dainty outcome in a hot dish and immediately cover it. If this excellent tool has a fault, it is in cooling potatoes.
* * * * *
Le Page’s Glue. Price 20 cents; for 25 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 5 cents.
Doubtless the strongest glue as well as the most available. Liquid and used as it is, unless chilled or thick, when warm it a little, or add vinegar. In handy tin can with screw top.
Mends crockery; not glass because not transparent. Diluted enough makes excellent mucilage. Let every family have it.
* * * * *
Turn-over Broiler that keeps the gravy out of the fire and on the meat. Price 65 cents; for 75 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 24 cents.
Of light sheet-iron very smooth, punched full of holes, and the holes are “dished” in the punching, so that none of the gravy is lost. Makes good steak better and pays for itself in a week.
Bartlett Domestic Press. Price $1.50; for $2 in new subscriptions.
For meats, jellies, wine, cider, etc. Easily washed. Pressure of a thousand pounds is easily got by turning the crank without danger of breaking the press.
* * * * *
Daisy Pillow-sham Holder. Price $1; for $1.10 in new subscriptions.
Out of sight, holds the pillow-shams in place by day, and lifts them out of the way at night, is light, handy, goes on a bedstead of any size, saves work and money. The best device for the purpose. By express.
* * * * *
Crumb-tray and brush. Price 60 cents; for 75 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
Prettily painted tin tray and good brush.
* * * * *
Self-winding Tape-measure, with mirror on one side and perpetual calendar on the other. Price 25 cents; for 35 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents.
* * * * *
Self-winding Tape-measure, with stop. Price 25 cents; for 35 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents.
Neat bright nickel case. The stop holds the tape wherever set.
* * * * *
Crochet Needles, dozen. Price 20 cents; for 25 cents in new subscriptions.
Nickeled, assorted sizes, perfect and smooth.
* * * * *
Mineral Cabinet, No. 1. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 14 cents.
Another, No. 2, the same except different minerals; terms the same. No. 2 contains: opal agate, aragonite, milky quartz, cuprite, jasper, galena, sulphur, crocidolite (polished), selenite, hematite, feldspar, fluorspar, variscite, argentite, chalcedony, petrified cedar, alabaster, lead carbonate, telluride ore, muscovite. With brief explanation of every specimen. Neat box with clasp.
These cabinets give invariable satisfaction in schools and families.
* * * * *
Anything that children wear from baby up, at the rate of $1 in clothing for $1.60 in new subscriptions.
The clothing comes from Best & Company, 60 West 23d street, New York. You send for their catalogue, pick out what you want, and send your order to us with money and names of course.
The reason we send from Best & Company is that they keep the largest variety and serve an absent buyer as well as if he were there in the store.
Most of the big city dry-goods houses keep more or less of children’s clothing; but they generally slight it. The work is apt to be shabby, the materials flimsy, the styles too pronounced if not “carried over from last year.” Girls’ things are considered especially hard to get satisfactorily.
* * * * *
Tammen’s Cabinet, forty smaller specimens. Price 60 cents; for 75 cents in new subscriptions.
Paper box with sheet of explanations where the minerals came from, what they are used for, etc.
* * * * *
Diamond Dyes. Price 10 cents a color; for 15 cents in new subscriptions.
Dyeing at home in the most satisfactory manner is very easy and profitable. Silk and woolen stuffs come out of the dye about as nice as when they were new. For cotton some of the colors have to be specially made. Wood stains are made from the dyes.
Diamond dyes are complete in themselves; that is, nothing more is required to set the colors. It is really no more difficult to dye with most of the colors than to rinse or starch. And full instructions accompany the dyes.
The colors are: yellow, old-gold, orange; green, olive-green, dark-green; pink, magenta, scarlet, crimson, cardinal, garnet, terra-cotta, maroon, dark-wine; violet, plum, purple; light-blue, navy-blue, dark-blue; slate, drab, black; and yellow for cotton, green for cotton, cardinal for cotton, scarlet for cotton, and blue for cotton.
Diamond dyes do not stain the hands or utensils if used with a little care. You handle the stuffs with sticks till you come to the wringing.
* * * * *
Book-rack, No. 318. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions.
Maple; 18x24 inches; neatly put together without nails or screws; packs flat.
* * * * *
Book-rack, No. 424. Price $1; for $1.10 in new subscriptions.
Same, 23x32 inches, four shelves.
* * * * *
Book-rack, No. 424½. Price $1.50; for $1.65 in new subscriptions.
Same size as last, more work on it.
* * * * *
Knitting Outfit. Price $1; for $1.10 in new subscriptions. Postage 8 cents.
Consists of 2 balls of Florence silk, whatever colors you like, 5 needles, and book of information. Extra silk at 40 cents a ball; for 50 cents in new subscriptions.
SCHOOL AND ART FACILITIES
Eagle Fine Arts pencils, polished cedar box of 7 grades. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 5 cents.
As fine as any, free from grit, of uniform grades, clean lead, erasable leaving no smirch; for the most exacting requirements. BBB to HHHHHH.
* * * * *
Eagle Fine Drawing pencils, polished cedar box of 6 grades from extra-soft to extra-hard. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 4 cents.
* * * * *
Eagle Best Colored Crayons:
Box of 24 colors. Price $1.75; for $2 in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
Box of 18 colors. Price $1.35; for $1.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 8 cents.
Box of 12 colors. Price 90 cents; for $1 in new subscriptions. Postage 6 cents.
Equivalent to water-colors. The full assortment is 50 colors.
* * * * *
Eagle Scholastic Colored Crayons. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 6 cents.
Paper box of 5 colors, same crayons as last, with 6 colored sketches and 12 outline designs adapted to children’s use.
* * * * *
Eagle Eraser. Price 10 cents; for 15 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Automatic Drop pencil. Price 25 cents; for 35 cents in new subscriptions.
Acts precisely like the magic knife. See page 13 of this list.
Extra leads; price 8 cents a box; for 10 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Eagle Solid-ink Fountain and Pen. Price 10 cents; for 15 cents in new subscriptions.
The solid-ink fountain is simply a stick of solid ink, which is held in a clamp inside an ordinary penholder, used with any pen. You dip the pen in water, and the water dissolves the ink.
Extra ink. Price 10 cents a box of 6 sticks; for 15 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Eagle Ready Companion. Price 10 cents; for 15 cents in new subscriptions.
Wood pen and pencil-carrier; opens and shuts like the magic knife on page 13 and the automatic pencil.
* * * * *
Prang’s Non-Poisonous Water-Colors for Children:
Box No. 2, 8 colors and brush. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions.
Box No. 4, 12 colors and 2 brushes. Price 40 cents; for 50 cents in new subscriptions.
Perfectly harmless. The colors conform very closely to accepted standards, and flow from the cakes with a touch of water. The brushes are good camel’s-hair. The boxes are very pretty and useful.
* * * * *
Prang’s Fine Water-Colors for Schools and Amateurs, box No. 13, 12 colors and 2 brushes. Price 75 cents; for 85 cents in new subscriptions.
Not non-poisonous, but not more poisonous than the Murillo colors.
* * * * *
Introductory Lessons in Drawing and painting in Water-Colors, by Marion Kemble. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions.
For those who know nothing at all of either.
* * * * *
Jack-plane pencil-sharpener. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions.
The best pencil-sharpener we know of at any price, because it is handy, does its work perfectly, never breaks the lead; and the plane-knife can be adjusted and sharpened exactly as in a carpenter’s plane.
* * * * *
Polygraph, brass. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents.
The same, bright nickel. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents.
Pattern for almost every sort of figure and combination; wonderfully useful for children, designers, and artisans.
* * * * *
Prang’s Water-color Studies are the best examples of what is known as the new style of water-color painting, in which transparent colors only are mixed in the brush and laid on broadly.
They are reproductions of works by American artists designed primarily for instruction in art, but none the less available for home-decoration on that account. Indeed they rank the higher in interest, being all they seem to common eyes, and faithful illustrations besides of recent advances in one of the least familiar departments of Art. They are not unfinished sketches, but exquisite finished color-work. The use we expect to introduce them to by this List is chiefly the non-professional, home-decoration. Let it be understood, there is nothing more fit for that use, and nothing higher, within the reach of people of limited means.
They comprise landscapes, marine views, flowers, animals, birds and figure pieces from such artists as Turner, Moran, Bridges, Lambdin, Giacomelli, etc.
We send Prang’s catalogue and supply whatever may be selected from it at the rate of $1.10 in new subscriptions for $1 of catalogue prices.
Postage on sizes under 12x12 inches 6 cents; over 12x12 inches 10 cents.
* * * * *
On the Use of Water Colors for Beginners. By Ross Turner. Price $3; for $3.25 in new subscriptions.
“Hints to assist a beginner in a right direction, assisting him to start right, and upon such a beginning to work out by personal study and experience his own way of using materials,” by an eminent artist and no less eminent teacher.
Large quarto, illustrated by engravings and six fine colored plates.
* * * * *
Prang’s Reproductions of Oil Paintings supplied at the rate of $1.10 in new subscriptions for $1 of catalogue prices.
We supply whatever may be selected from Prang’s catalogue; but, as that affords no clue to the works beyond titles, sizes and artists’ names, we have chosen a few of the most available pieces and printed descriptions of them. From this short list you can pick out what is likely to answer your purpose.
They are landscapes, marine views, figure pieces, animal and dining-room pictures.
Postage on sizes under 12x12 inches 6 cents; over 12x12 inches 10 cents.
* * * * *
Winsor & Newton’s Oil Colors. Price for seventy-five of the list 8 cents a tube; for 12½ cents in new subscriptions.
Other colors supplied at higher rates. Postage 2 cents a tube.
A list of colors sent on request. These are most used: burnt sienna, raw sienna, emerald green, flake white, light red, naples yellow, permanent blue, raw umber, terra verte, prussian blue, vandyke brown, yellow ochre, ivory black, zinnober green (medium); all of which are supplied at the quoted rate.
* * * * *
Ruler with circle-guide. Price 25 cents; for 30 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 12 cents.
* * * * *
Scholar’s Companion, No. 41. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
Cloth-covered box with pen-holder, pencil, slate-pencil, sponge and sponge-box, rubber eraser, ink-bottle, knife and key—box locks.
* * * * *
Vassar School-bag. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 8 cents.
Stout bag of open lace of white cotton twine with red lining showing through, with gay stripes of colored twine in the lace.
* * * * *
“Beginner’s Outfit” of tissue paper and other materials for flower-work. Price 35 cents; for 50 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 7 cents.
Colors of tissue paper, rose sprays, stems, daisy centers and petals, leaves, wire, instructions.
* * * * *
“Complete Assortment” of tissue paper and other materials. Price $1; for $1.30 in new subscriptions. Postage 16 cents.
Paper colors, tubing, culots, rose sprays and moss, wire, rose, poppy and daisy centers, poppy buds, leaves, pincers, instructions.
* * * * *
Letter-scale. Price 50 cents; for 60 cents in new subscriptions.
Weighs from ½-ounce to 10 or 12 ounces. With hook for tied parcels and clamp for letters.
MUSIC Etc.
Mason & Hamlin Organ No. 2208, five octaves, nine stops. For $100 in new subscriptions.
The cash price of this organ in music stores depends on where the store is, its costs, and its scale of profits. The lowest price we know of is $99; the highest $165. Size 4-11x1-11x5. Weight in case 322 lbs.
One of the most perplexing bargains a family has to make nowadays is in buying a musical instrument. Price and quality, both, are in doubt.
There is probably some good reason for what appears to be chronic demoralization pervading the musical instrument business in every part of this enormous country of ours. We can’t control the fact. We have got round it, if you happen to want an organ.
We’ll try, if you want a piano.
* * * * *
Pitch-pipe, A and C, in a handy pocket-case. Price 20 cents; for 25 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Bay State Guitar, Style E. Price $14; for $18 in new subscriptions.
Guaranteed by the makers (John C. Haynes & Co., Boston) not to warp or split. Solid-rosewood sides and back, mahogany neck.
Wood case for $4 in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Banjo, No. 33½. Price $5; for $6.25 in new subscriptions.
Nickeled rim, wood lining, imitation-walnut fretted arm, ball brackets, calfskin head.
* * * * *
Music-box, No. 3½. Price $7; for $8 in new subscriptions.
Rosewood; 3 airs; 2¾-inch cylinder; key attached.
* * * * *
Xylophone. No. 1, 2 octaves. Price $1.50; for $2 in new subscriptions. No. 3, 2½ octaves (with chromatics). Price $5.50; for $7.50 in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Accordion. Price $5; for $6 in new subscriptions.
10 keys, 2 sets reeds, stop, double bellows, german-silver clasps and corners.
* * * * *
Thie Three-sided Harmonica. Price 90 cents; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
16 double holes on a side; german-silver plates.
* * * * *
Bell Harmonica. Price 60 cents; for 75 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 5 cents.
10 double holes; brass plates.
* * * * *
Concert Harmonica. Price 60 cents; for 75 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 8 cents.
Size 5½x2¼ inches; 24 double holes; brass plates.
* * * * *
Richter Harmonica, No. 33½. Price 25 cents; for 35 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents. 4-inch, 10 single holes, nickeled plates.
* * * * *
Franklin Square Song Collection, Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4. Price 50 cents each; for 75 cents in new subscriptions.
Each number contains the words and music of about two-hundred of what are regarded as the best songs of the time: songs of home, worship, love, country, children, school; with a mass of information relating to them. Table of Contents sent on request.
WATCHES CLOCKS JEWELRY
Seth Thomas Watch in argentine case for $10 in new subscriptions; in silver case for $15 in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
There is strong competition between the American watch-manufactories on low-price watches. The struggle is to make the best for the money. That is the way to capture the market. Seth Thomas watch is ahead.
We buy the movement separate. There is no established price for the watch as we send it out. We are giving the most we can get for the money. The watch is a good time-keeper; durable; open-face; has seven jewels; is decidedly worth repairing; good enough; a great deal better than any foreign watch for the money; better than any other American watch for the money.
The argentine case is a substitute for silver, substantial, keeps its silver look. The silver case is no better, unless you object to an imitation. The argentine case is plain, the silver is chased (“turned” is the technical word), the neatest of watch-case engraving. Stem-winders and setters of course.
* * * * *
Waterbury Watch, chain, whistle and agate charm. Price for the whole, $3; for $4 in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
Perhaps a million of these watches are in use. As good a time-keeper as any common watch and bears a good deal of banging. The only fault we ever heard of in it is the slowness of winding—takes about a minute and a half—stem-winder at that. The makers undertake to repair it for 50 cents and postage. The case is bright nickel, or what is called nickel—looks like silver.
* * * * *
Chatelaine Watch. Price $7; for $9 in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
Fair time-keeper, plain, bright nickel case.
* * * * *
Alarm Clock. Price $1.75; for $2 in new subscriptions. Postage 20 cents.
Nickel, one-day, 4-inch dial, key attached.
* * * * *
Little Nickel One-day Clock with 2-inch dial. Price $1.35; for $1.75 in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
Winds by turning the whole back plate.
* * * * *
Eight-day Clock with cathedral bell. Price $10; for $11 in new subscriptions.
Enameled-iron case with gilt decorations, a close imitation of black marble; 10x15 inches.
* * * * *
Send for finger-measure a slip of paper that just goes round the ring finger.
* * * * *
Plated Finger-rings. Patterns 1, 2, 3, 4 in heavy rolled plate. Price $1 each; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Same in filled fourteen-karat gold. Price $1.25; for $1.50 in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Gold Finger-ring of patterns 1 or 3. Price $1.75; for $2.50 in new subscriptions. No. 2, $2.25; for $3.00 in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Gold Cameo Finger-ring. Price $1.50; for $2 in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Plated Gold-stone Finger-ring. Price $1; for $1.35 in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Gold Amethyst Finger-ring. Price $1.75; for $2.50 in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Plated Tiger-eye Finger-ring. Price $1.25; for $1.50 in new subscriptions.
SILVER-PLATED WARE Etc.
Flat ware may be of any of these six patterns, except table-knives and fruit-knives. Pattern B with handles oxidized for about ten per cent additional to the prices quoted. [B not oxidized same price as the others.]
The grade of all, both flat and hollow ware, is that known in the trade as “triple-plate,” unless otherwise noted.
The maker of nearly all is the Holmes & Edwards Silver Company.
Plush boxes supplied, if wanted. They cost about as much as the wares they contain.
* * * * *
Tea-spoons of any pattern. Price $2.50 a half-dozen; for $3 in new subscriptions. Postage 7 cents.
* * * * *
Dessert-spoons of any pattern. Price $4.25; for $5 in new subscriptions. Postage 12 cents.
* * * * *
Table-spoons or forks of medium size of any pattern. Price $4.75 a half-dozen; for $6 in new subscriptions. Postage 14 cents.
* * * * *
Table-knives of medium size. Price $2.50 a half dozen; for $3 in new subscriptions. Postage 24 cents.
* * * * *
Fruit-knives. Price $1.75 a half-dozen; for $2.10 in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
* * * * *
Pocket Fruit-knife. Price $1.25; for $1.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents.
Not “triple-plate”; two grades lower.
* * * * *
Butter-knife of pattern A, C, D, or E. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents.
* * * * *
Sugar-tongs of pattern A, C, D, or E. Price $1.50; for $2 in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents.
* * * * *
Sugar-shell of pattern A, C, D, or E. Price 75 cents; for $1 in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents.
* * * * *
Berry-spoon A, C, D or E. Price $2.50; for $3 in new subscriptions. Postage 5 cents.
* * * * *
Gravy-ladle A, C, D or E. Price $1.50; for $2 in new subscriptions. Postage 4 cents.
* * * * *
Soup-ladle A, C, D or E. Price $4; for $5 in new subscriptions. Postage 12 cents.
Same as gravy-ladle, but larger.
* * * * *
Fish-knife and Fork A, C, D, or E. Price $3.25 each; for $4 each in new subscriptions. Postage 4 cents each.
* * * * *
Pie-knife A, C, D or E. Price $3.25; for $4 in new subscriptions. Postage 5 cents.
* * * * *
Cake-knife A, C, D or E. Price $3.25; for $4 in new subscriptions. Postage 3 cents.
* * * * *
Child’s set of knife, fork, spoon and napkin-ring. Price $1.50; for $1.75 in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
Not triple-plate; two grades lower.
* * * * *
Butter-dish. Price $3; for $4.50 in new subscriptions. Must go by express.
Satin finish.
* * * * *
Call-bell. Price $1.50; for $2 in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
Top strike; neat design. Not triple-plate; two grades lower.
* * * * *
Napkin-ring No. 173. Price $1.25; for $1.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 5 cents.
Not triple-plate; two grades lower.
* * * * *
Pickle-jar with tongs. Price $2; for $2.50 in new subscriptions.
Engraved glass jar.
* * * * *
Child’s Cup No. 38. Price $1.25; for $1.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
Not triple-plate; two grades lower; gold-lined.
* * * * *
Child’s Cup No 28. Price $2.50; for $2.75 in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
Not triple-plate; two grades lower; gold-lined.
* * * * *
Nut-picks. Price 90 cents; for $1 in new subscriptions. Postage 5 cents.
No. A1½, 5-inch, six nickeled-steel picks in paper box.
* * * * *
Nut-cracker and picks. Price $1.75; for $2 in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
No. C1½, 5-inch, six nickeled-steel picks and one cracker in paper box.
* * * * *
Plymouth Lap-board. Price $1.25; for $1.35 in new subscriptions.
Very light but strong, unsplittable, cloth-like surface pleasant to touch, not slippery, brass-bound, neat, with half-yard measure and checker-board. There never will be a better thing for its many, many uses. Must go by express.
* * * * *
Rand-McNally Standard Atlas of the World. The publishers’ price is $4.50. We send it postage paid for $2.50 in new subscriptions.
Edition of 1887, “revised to date including maps.” (We quote from the publishers’ letter. The Atlas is not yet out at the time of writing.)
Large book, 11x14 inches, cloth binding, about 200 pages; about 150 maps, about 30 statistical diagrams, etc., nearly 100 engravings; brief descriptions of regions, countries, cities, governments; our part of the world elaborately mapped and illustrated.
So comprehensive an Atlas can only be made for the money by many thousands, and so only in a country where millions of people are happy enough to want to know the world they live in.
* * * * *
Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary. Price $13; for $17 in new subscriptions. By express at receiver’s cost.
Latest edition, with marginal index. See cut.
* * * * *
Worcester’s Unabridged Dictionary. Price $11; for $13 in new subscriptions. By express at receiver’s cost.
Latest edition with marginal index. See cut of Webster.
* * * * *
Ladies’ Card-case. Price 85 cents; for $1.10 in new subscriptions.
Natural calfskin stamped with a beautiful pattern, old-gold satin lining.
* * * * *
Pearl Rug-maker. Price $1; for $1.10 in new subscriptions. Postage 6 cents.
A sort of sewing-machine attachment; not strictly that; for it is not attached; may be used with any machine, or without a machine, the sewing done by hand.
With it a woman of taste and aptness with colors can get out of her rag-bag beautiful rugs with almost no expense beyond sewing-cotton and dyes [see Diamond Dyes, page 23 of this list.]
The rug-maker is simply a nickeled steel-wire frame on which to wind cut rags or yarns preparatory to sewing them on a substantial foundation. Not hard to learn the use of. Not hard to use. A sort of homely art-work with waste materials, splendidly profitable.
The finished rug is a velvet, the pile of which is made by cutting the loops as they come from the rug-maker. The product of one day’s work may be as pretty and rich a rug as you would buy for several dollars. All depends on your taste, materials, colors, industry, patience. There is something of the constructive artist in every woman of taste.
* * * * *
Plush Mirror for toilet stand. Price 60 cents; for 75 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 8 cents.
Beveled plate glass, 4x6 inches.
* * * * *
Plush Toilet-case. Price $2.75; for $3.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 35 cents.
Zylonite mirror, brush and comb. Looks like ivory.
* * * * *
Zylonite Brush and Mirror. Price 75 cents each; for $1.10 in new subscriptions. Postage 6 cents each.
Together or either. Lily of the Valley pattern.
* * * * *
Plush Collar and Cuff Box. Price $2.50; for $3 in new subscriptions. Postage 20 cents.
* * * * *
Plush Jewel-case No. 150. Price $1; for $1.25 in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
Size 4½x6x3 inches.
* * * * *
Plush Sealing-wax Cabinet. Price $2.25; for $2.85 in new subscriptions. Postage 10 cents.
Your initial-seal, five colors of finest wax, two wax candles, and stick in paper box.
* * * * *
Sealing-wax Box. Price 75 cents; for 80 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 6 cents.
Same contents as last. Paper box with cover.
* * * * *
Writing-desk. Price $1.50; for $2.10 in new subscriptions. Postage 45 cents.
Walnut inlaid with mahogany. Locks.
* * * * *
Writing-case for the lap. Price $2.50; for $3.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 30 cents.
Leather cover, with pockets and box full of writing-materials.
* * * * *
Music-roll. Price $1.35; for $1.75 in new subscriptions. Postage 7 cents.
Substantial leather, imitation seal, bound with morocco, morocco strap, round leather handle, nickel trimmings.
* * * * *
Silver Thimble. Price 65 cents; for 85 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Gold-filled thimble. Price $1.25; for $1.60 in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Scrap-book. Price 60 cents; for 75 cents in new subscriptions. Postage 30 cents.
Size 9½x12 inches. 56 pages.
* * * * *
Handy Travelling-bag No. 161. Price $3.25; for $5 in new subscriptions. Postage 45 cents.
Natural grain leather, lined with leather, large inside pocket, nickel lock and trimmings; size 12-inch.
* * * * *
Same, 14-inch. Price $4; for $6 in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
Ladies’ Pocket-book. Price $1.50; for $2 in new subscriptions. Postage 5 cents.
Seal, morocco flap-lining, skiver pockets.
* * * * *
Plush Work-box. Price $2.25; for $3 in new subscriptions. Postage 20 cents.
Beveled plate-glass mirror in cover, bone needle-case, crochet needle, bodkin, thread-knife, button-hook, tape-needle and a pair of scissors.
* * * * *
Plush Work-box for a little girl. Price $1.50; for $2 in new subscriptions. Postage 18 cents.
Same things as in last except mirror.
* * * * *
Plush Perfume-stand No. 4005. Price $1.25; for $1.75 in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
Two ground-stopper bottles, six multiplying mirrors, nickel extension handle.
* * * * *
Plush Perfume-stand No. 3. Price 75 cents; for $1 in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
Two ground-stopper bottles, two mirrors, brass handle.
* * * * *
Plush Mirror and Whisk-holder. Price $1.25; for $1.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 15 cents.
Beveled medallion mirror, three little hooks, whisk with nickel-damask handle and ring. A pretty piece for a girl’s room.
* * * * *
BARNEY & BERRY’S SKATES
State exact length of boot.
* * * * *
Keyless Skate. Price $4; for $4.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 35 cents.
Best steel, best make, best temper; bright nickel. Toe and heel clamps worked together by thumb-screw at heel: the simplest fastening. Sizes 8 to 12 inches.
* * * * *
Skate No. R. Price $2; for $2.10 in new subscriptions. Postage 35 cents.
Fac-simile of the Keyless skate, of lower grade; nickeled.
* * * * *
American Rink Skate. Price $4.50; for $5.00 in new subscriptions. Postage 35 cents.
Best every way; adjustable as to size by a thumb-screw at the heel and fastened by a lever under the instep. Sizes 8 to 12 inches.
* * * * *
Skate No. T. Price $2; for $2.10 in new subscriptions. Postage 35 cents.
Skate No. T is a fac-simile of the American Rink Skate; heel-plates, foot-plates, toe-clamps and brackets of crucible steel; nickeled.
* * * * *
All-clamp Skate. Price $4; for $4.50 in new subscriptions. Postage 35 cents.
Best nickeled steel. Sizes 7 to 12 inches.
* * * * *
Skate No. F. Price $2; for $2.10 in new subscriptions. Postage 35 cents.
Fac-simile of All-clamp skate, of lower grade; nickeled.
* * * * *
Ladies’ Keyless Skate. No. LR. Price $2.50; for $3 in new subscriptions. Postage 30 cents.
Blades of the lower grade, foot-plates, clamps and brackets of crucible steel; russet-leather trimmings; nickel heel-bands. A thumb-screw at the heel works the toe-clamps.
* * * * *
Ladies’ Clamp Skate, No. LE. Price $2.50; for $3 in new subscriptions. Postage 30 cents.
Differs from No. LR only in having the toe-clamps worked by a key instead of a thumb-screw.
* * * * *
Putz Pomade, the best polishing substance known for gold, silver, copper, brass, tin and other metals. Price 15 cents a box; for 20 cents in new subscriptions.
One of the many new things in this List, the knowledge of which is worth much more than it costs.
* * * * *
Putz Pulver, perhaps the same as the paste; but, being a powder, it does not cling to chasings; better therefore for jewelry. Price 15 cents a box; for 20 cents in new subscriptions.
* * * * *
_Any subscriber may pay his own subscription by getting new subscriptions of twice the amount._
Thus: _Babyland for $1 in new subscriptions_; _Our Little Men and Women for $2 in new subscriptions_; _Pansy for $2 in new subscriptions_; _Chautauqua Young Folks’ Journal for $2 in new subscriptions_; _Wide Awake for $4.80 in new subscriptions_.
* * * * *
_Any book we publish, postage paid, at the rate of $1 for $1.20 in new subscriptions._
Thus: _A 50-cent book for 60 cents in new subscriptions, a $1 book for $1.20, a $1.50 book for $1.80, a $2 book for $2.40, etc._
We cannot describe our two-thousand books in this List; and, if we begin, there is no stopping-place. The best we can do is to send our catalogue [We wish it afforded more of a clue to their contents]; and you select from that.
CHAUTAUQUA YOUNG FOLKS’ READING UNION.
1. There are few forces more powerful in the shaping of character than those which spring from reading. _Robinson Crusoe_ has sent thousands of boys to sea, and other books less wholesome have sent thousands to prison; many a youth has been inspired to noble aims and a useful life by the help of a good book. A distinguished scientist says that a single book which fell into his hands during boyhood gave him “a twist toward science.”
2. It is not a question whether our young people will read or not, for nearly all of them do read. The question is whether they shall read a helpful or a harmful literature, for every book and paper belongs to either one class or the other. There is but one way to keep out the harmful, and that is to supply the helpful. At a public conference on the subject of literature for young people one speaker said, “I find that when I keep the table in my own house well covered with good papers for young people my children have no desire for a low class of story-papers.” A shelf of good, interesting books for young people will save them from depraved taste in reading.
3. One difficulty in the way of supplying the home with good literature is that parents are too busy. To provide a pure and healthful course of reading, and with it the impulse to follow it, the CHAUTAUQUA YOUNG FOLKS’ READING UNION has been established. This is an outgrowth of the Chautauqua movement, which aims to promote popular education for every grade and every age, and is the peculiar adaptation of the Chautauqua Course to young people. It takes in the main the same subjects as those of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, and fits them to the needs of the young, so that while the older people are pursuing one course of reading, the boys and girls, from twelve years, and upward, may read in the same lines and on the same themes. The course includes history, science, literature, travel, household matters, “ways to do things,” etc., mainly in short articles, which can be easily read. It can be accomplished in less than two hours of each week, for as many years as the student chooses to follow it, for each year’s reading is complete in itself.
4. The Readings of the CHAUTAUQUA YOUNG FOLKS’ READING UNION are of two kinds, Serial and in Books. The Serial Readings are contained in a monthly supplement to WIDE AWAKE, a magazine for young people which stands at the head of its class in literature. This supplement is also published as a separate periodical, called the CHAUTAUQUA YOUNG FOLKS’ JOURNAL. The Book Readings consist generally of three standard books adapted for young people. With the course are furnished to enrolled members the “Outline Memoranda,” or questions for examination, not a severe test of knowledge of the Readings, but suggestive, and calling forth the thoughts and opinions of the reader.
5. The Course may be taken by individuals, each reading by himself, or by a number reading together and meeting in a Local Club or Circle. Such a Club may be organized by the teacher of a school among the scholars, and will furnish pleasant and elevating enjoyment, as well as training in composition, debating, observation, etc., by its exercises. The members may read papers of their own writing upon the subjects of the course, may present questions, may look at pictures of objects and places referred to, and may witness simple experiments in science, and may also have social recreation at its meetings. [For plans of organization and management of a Local Club, send for the handbook.]
6. All that is requisite for membership is to send name and address, with ten cents in postage stamps, to the Secretary, Miss Kate F. Kimball, Plainfield, N. J. WIDE AWAKE contains much besides the readings—serial stories, short stories, illustrated articles, and poems—while the CHAUTAUQUA YOUNG FOLKS’ JOURNAL contains but little besides the readings. Besides one of the magazines, the three books cost $1.70. [For the Course of the coming year see next page.]
7. Every enrolled member receives free of cost a Certificate of Membership. It is an albertype, with a symbolic picture embodying the light-bearing spirit of the Union, and is suited to framing for the home. For each year’s reading a seal is given, which is to be affixed to the certificate. Thus the engraving will show by its seals the years of the member’s reading.
ANNOUNCEMENT.
_The next Course of Readings will begin in the December number of_ WIDE AWAKE _and the_ JOURNAL _and run through 1888. Something of the value and interest may be gathered from the following prospectus._
* * * * *
SEVENTH ANNUAL COURSE.
REQUIRED READINGS (SERIAL).
I. DEAR OLD STORY-TELLERS. By _Oscar Fay Adams_. A set of most delightful papers about certain old authors and certain old stories whose names and titles are constantly occurring in general literature. Whatever of importance and interest is known about these authors Mr. Adams has here gathered up; and a good idea is given of the work which has made them famous, valued and remembered. These “Readings” will be very helpful for all who wish to understand the allusions in literature to standard old stories and romances. Many portraits and illustrations.
II. U. S. MILITARY AND NAVAL SCHOOLS. By _Louis T. Peale_. A good series for family reading, as both boys and girls are growing more and more interested in the way our Government conducts affairs, and these papers explain just what means are taken to train up a noble body of men to protect our country and maintain her interests and her rights by land and sea. While the series is of general interest to everybody, it will be especially hailed by boys who have dreams of entering the army or the navy; they will find here a complete manual of answers to all the questions they or their anxious friends can possibly ask as to what the boys must do for the Government, and what the Government does for the boys. Illustrations.
III. OUR ASIATIC COUSINS. By _Mrs. A. H. Leonowens_. Mrs. Leonowens lived a long time in the far East, an inmate of both palace and tent, and had opportunities of knowing face to face both royal potentates and the common people. She has written these articles especially for the members of the C. Y. F. R. U., and they are very interesting. Fully illustrated.
IV. “DIAMOND DUST.” By _Mrs. S. D. Power_. Some chatty articles about precious stones, our native gems, and beautiful objects in the mineral world.
V. WAYS TO DO THINGS. All sorts. The first will be the “Way” to take care of dogs, by _Louise Imogen Guiney_.
VI. SEARCH-QUESTIONS IN ROMAN HISTORY. By _Oscar Fay Adams_. Twenty questions each month. Book prizes for correct lists of answers. Particulars in both WIDE AWAKE and the JOURNAL.
REQUIRED READINGS (BOOKS).
A FAMILY FLIGHT AROUND HOME. Part I. By Edward Everett Hale and Susan Hale. A new volume of this delightful series, describing the scenes and events of early New England history, etc. Illustrations.
POETS’ HOMES. By Arthur Gilman, and others. Charming pen and pencil pictures of the homes and haunts of the poets—and the poets themselves.
NELLY MARLOW IN WASHINGTON. By Laura D. Nichols. Those who went with Nelly Marlow “Up Hill and Down Dale” will surely wish to go with her to Washington. Illustrations.
PRICE LISTS.
I. {WIDE AWAKE (Special price to members of C. Y. F. R. U.) $2.25 {A FAMILY FLIGHT AROUND HOME. Part I. .75 {POETS’ HOMES. .35 {NELLY MARLOW IN WASHINGTON. .60 ——— Postage on books if sent by mail, 25 cents. $3.95
II. {CHAUTAUQUA YOUNG FOLKS’ JOURNAL. $1.00 {A FAMILY FLIGHT AROUND HOME. Part I. .75 {POETS’ HOMES. .35 {NELLY MARLOW IN WASHINGTON. .60 ——— Postage on books if sent by mail, 25 cents. $2.70
Chautauqua Young Folks’ Annual.
New members of the C. Y. F. R. U., and others, desiring in compact form the previous courses of Required Readings, may be glad to know that they are issued each year in one handsomely bound volume with the above title.
Sent postpaid by the publishers, D. LOTHROP COMPANY, and by all booksellers, on receipt of $1.50 per volume.[A]
I. Required Readings for ’81-2:
Magna Charta Stories. (_Illustrated_) _Edited by Arthur Gilman, M. A._ Ways to Do Things. (_Illustrated_) _Rev. Charles R. Talbot and others._ Old Ocean. (_Illustrated_) _Ernest Ingersoll._ The Travelling Law School. _Benjamin Vaughan Abbott._ Little Biographies.—Music. (_Illustrated_) _Hezekiah Butterworth._ Health and Strength Papers. _By prominent Physical Culture People._ Dooryard Folks. (_Illustrated_) _Amanda B. Harris._ What to Do About It. _The Wise Blackbird._
Also the following books: “Stories from English History,” 2 volumes in the Lyceum Library; “Behaving, Papers on Children’s Etiquette;” and “The Story of English Literature.”
II. Required Readings for ’82-3:
Ballads of American History. (_Illustrated_) _Margaret J. Preston._ Remarkable Trials. _Benjamin Vaughan Abbott._ Through a Microscope. (_Illustrated_) _Samuel Wells and Mary Treat._ Little Biographies.—Literature. (_Illustrated_) _Amanda B. Harris._ Anna Maria’s Housekeeping. _The Next Neighbor._ A Boy’s Workshop. (_Illustrated_) _A Boy Carpenter._ Health and Strength Papers for Boys. (_Illustrated_) _Prof. D. A. Sargent._ What to Do about It. _The Wise Blackbird._
Also the following books: “Eyes Right,” by Adam Stwin; “Getting Along,” by Samuel Smiles, a book of practical common sense; “Stories of the Sea;” and “A Book of Golden Deeds,” of all times, by Charlotte M. Yonge.
IV. Required Readings for ’84-5:
Children of Westminster Abbey. (_Illustrated_) _Rose G. Kingsley._ Souvenirs of My Time. (_Illustrated_) _Mrs. Jessie Benton Frémont._ The Temperance Teachings of Science. _Prof. A. B. Palmer._ Boy’s Heroes. (_Illustrated_) _Edward Everett Hale._ Ways to Do Things. (_Illustrated_) _Various Authors._ Entertainments in Chemistry. (_Illustrated_) _Harry W. Tyler._ The Making of Pictures. _Sarah W. Whitman._ Search-Questions in American Literature. _Oscar Fay Adams._
Also the following books: “Greece,” by Charlotte M. Yonge; “Field, Wood, and Meadow Rambles,” by Amanda B. Harris; “Wild Animals,” with full-page illustrations by Joseph Wolf.
V. Required Readings for ’85-6:
Pleasant Authors for Young Folks—-American. _Amanda B. Harris._ (_Portraits._) My Garden Pets. (_Illustrated_) _Mary Treat._ Souvenirs of My Time.—Foreign. _Mrs. Jessie Benton Frémont._ Some Italian Authors, and Their Works. _George E. Vincent._ Ways to Do Things. (_Illustrated_) _Various Authors._ Strange Teas, Dinners, Weddings, and Fêtes. _Various Authors._ Search-Questions in English Literature. _Oscar Fay Adams._
Also the following books: “A Family Flight Through France, Germany, Norway, and Switzerland,” by E. E. Hale and Susan Hale; “The Merchant of Venice,” Hudson-Lamb edition; “Underfoot,” by Laura D. Nichols.
VI. Required Readings for ’86-7;
Some Successful Women. (_Illustrated_) _Sarah K. Bolton._ Wonder-Wings, Mullingongs, Colossi, and _C. F. Holder._ Others. (_Illustrated_) A Young Prince of Commerce. (_Illustrated_) _Selden R. Hopkins._ Ways to Do Things. (_Illustrated_) _Various Authors._ Search-Questions in Greek History. _Oscar Fay Adams._
Also the following books: “A Family Flight Through Norway and Switzerland,” by Edward Everett Hale and Susan Hale; “Hamlet” edited by Homer B. Sprague, President of Mills College; “Up Hill and Down Dale,” by Laura D. Nichols.
[Footnote A: Vol. III. is out of print.]
=D LOTHROP COMPANY. Publishers, Boston, U. S. A.=
=Wide Awake, 1887.=
Volumes W and X. 4to, boards, 1.75 a volume—cloth, 2.25.
“The files we have had bound are so popular as to be in danger of being literally read to pieces; and, knowing well that the new ones will meet the same treatment, we earnestly hope that the time will never come when it will be impossible to replace them; for they are a source of too much enjoyment and benefit to our young people to be allowed to get out of print—that would be a great misfortune.”
_—Extract from letter of the Librarian of the Morse Institute, Natick, Mass., ordering the first nineteen volumes of_ WIDE AWAKE.
One in a dozen families—no, not so many—one in a hundred eats good food. About as many read good books. And yet the proportion of good eating and reading is quite as high in this as in any country. The fact is some good food is a little dry. Good reading is never peppery. We are losing our capacity for enjoyment of both when we crave unwholesome stimulants.
_Wide Awake_ is one of those rare collections varied and bright enough to engage the common reader and good enough to lead the capable reader to higher pleasures and benefits.
Volume W contains: a yachting story, by Charles R. Talbot; Peggy and her Family, by Margaret Sidney; Pamela’s Fortune, by Lucy C. Lillie; Pocahontas and Rolfe, by Mrs. Blathwayt; Turkish Childhood, by Hon. S. S. Cox; Some Nantucket Children, by Mrs. Macy; stories of early American warfare; no end of short stories and sketches, poems, engravings, etc.