CHAPTER XIX.

BITTER FRUITS.

“Mother, I’ve got lots of news,” said Clinton, as he entered the house; “Mrs. Preston’s had a letter from Jerry, and I’ve got one from Uncle Clinton. Jerry’s gone to sea, and wrote home from Rio Janeiro. He came near being shipwrecked, and he says he’s got enough of going to sea. He’s got to go clear round Cape Horn, though, to Valparaiso, before he can come home.”

“And what does your Uncle Clinton write?”

“O, I haven’t read that yet, but I’m going to now,” said Clinton; and he sat down and opened his letter. “See what a long one it is,” he added, holding it open; “I wonder what it can all be about.” It was as follows:—

“BOSTON, MAY 12, 185-.

“MY DEAR NEPHEW AND NAMESAKE,

It’s a long while since you have had a letter from me, and I suppose you will wonder what is going to happen when you see this; but don’t be frightened—there’s nothing alarming in the wind. We all felt very sorry, when your father wrote us that your anticipated visit to Boston this spring must be postponed. Willie, in particular, was sadly disappointed. He had set his heart on having a nice time with you—piloting you around the city, showing you the ‘elephants,’ and making himself generally useful and agreeable. And will you believe it, the silly fellow actually ‘boo-hooed right out’ when your father’s letter came, and put a wet blanket on his anticipations. Well, never mind, you’ll come this summer or fall, wont you? I’ve promised Willie you shall, and as I always keep my promises, you see there is no backing out of that. Tell your father that he _must_ let you come, as soon as he can spare you; and if he doesn’t, I shall send a writ after you.

“I have a case on the docket, as we lawyers say, that I guess will interest you a little. Willie insists upon my writing a history of it for your benefit; and as he is full four feet high, now, and keeps a terrible great dog, I suppose I must comply with his wishes. The parties in this case are, on the one side, our venerable and dignified Commonwealth, and on the other, that young harum-scarum crony of yours, (if you will own him as such), Oscar Preston. You knew, I suppose, that Oscar went to sea after he left Brookdale so suddenly, last fall. He got back again in the winter, perfectly cured of his life-on-the-ocean-wave fever, and has done nothing but loaf about and cut up shines ever since. He wouldn’t go to school, and he wouldn’t go to work, and he wouldn’t do anything that his father wished him to do.

“But his bad habits were not all negative ones, I can assure you; for a few weeks ago it happened to be discovered, some how or other, that he and two or three other boys had formed a band of thieves, and had stolen several articles from different persons and houses. The affair went before the Grand Jury, and one of the young scamps confessed the whole story. So an officer arrested Oscar, and carried him to jail; and his father, on learning the facts in the case, was so enraged that he would not bail him out. He came to me, however, to see what could be done for Oscar, and engaged me to act as his counsel. I inquired into all the facts, and when I found how conclusive the evidence was against him, I told his father the best thing Oscar could do would be to plead guilty, and trust to the mercy of the judge, who, I had little doubt, would take into consideration his youth, and sentence him to the Reform School. His father objected to this at first, but at last he was convinced that this would be the best course. So we both went over to the jail, in Cambridge Street, last week, to talk with Oscar about it.

“We found him in a little cell, about twelve feet by eight, engaged in reading a newspaper, which some one had distributed among the prisoners. He did not appear very glad to see his father, and spoke in a surly manner to him. I really pitied the poor man, for he felt so badly that he could hardly keep from crying, when he saw the situation of his son. Oscar did not know me, I suppose. I believe I never saw him before, although I had often heard Willie speak of him. Mr. Preston told him that I was a lawyer whom he had engaged to manage his case, and he then proceeded to tell him the conclusion we had arrived at. ‘I shan’t do it,’ he instantly replied; ‘I aint guilty, and I wont say I am.’ ‘But,’ said I, ‘this is very foolish in you, for here are the clearest proofs of your guilt, and you can’t rub them out.’ ‘I don’t care,’ he said, ‘I wont cave in now, any how. I mean to stick it out to the last.’ I then told him we were afraid he would be sentenced to the House of Correction, whereas, if he confessed his guilt, we could probably get the judge to send him to the Reform School. ‘I don’t want to go to the Reform School,’ he replied; ‘of the two, I’d rather go to the House of Correction. That would be all over with, in two or three months; but if I’m sent to the Reform School, I shall have to stay three or four years, and I wont do it—I’ll run away first.’ So he continued to talk, and we continued to reason with him, but all in vain; and finally we left him, in no pleasant mood. This forenoon, I called on him again, thinking he might have altered his mind, by this time; but he was as obstinate as ever, and so I must defend him to the best of my ability, when the trial comes on, next month. Poor boy! I’m afraid he will find the way of the transgressor is hard, before he is many months older. He appears to be pretty intelligent, and does not look like a bad boy, but he seems bent on his vicious courses. I tried to appeal to his feelings, to-day, but could not produce any effect upon him. I’ll try to let you know how his case turns out, when it comes to trial.

“Your Aunt Lizzy sends her love to you and to your father, and mother, and dear little Annie. Willie says, ‘Tell Clinton I’m going down to see him this summer’—but as this is the first _I_ have heard of it, I guess it will pass only for a rumor. Sissy sends ’a bushel of love,’ and Bouncer, Willie’s big bouncing dog that I mentioned before, sends a wag of his tail. Here it is:—

[Illustration: Bouncer’s tail]

There, now, I forgot to put in the wag—but no matter, you can imagine that. Well, I’ve got to the end of my sheet, and have only room to subscribe myself,

Your affectionate UNCLE CLINTON.”

After running over the letter, Clinton read it aloud to his father and mother. The intelligence it gave concerning Oscar, did not much surprise any of them, though they felt sorry for him and his parents.

“I have seldom known a bad beginning to make a good ending,” remarked Mr. Davenport. “Oscar seems to have made a very poor start in life, and I’m afraid he will not turn out any too well. It’s too bad, for I always thought he was a bright, capable sort of a boy, if he would only keep out of mischief. But I suspect his parents never had much control over him, and if that’s the case, they are as much to be blamed as pitied.”

After conversing a while longer on Oscar’s case, Mr. Davenport told Clinton he had better not mention the subject out of the family, as it might reach the ears of Jerry’s mother, and make her feel unpleasantly. He also told Clinton he had concluded to let him go to Boston in October, and that he might write to either his Uncle Clinton or to his Cousin Willie, and inform them of the fact. He also directed him to invite Willie to come and spend his summer vacation with him, and to extend the same invitation to the rest of the family. Clinton accordingly wrote, a few days after, directing the letter to his uncle, whose long epistle, he thought, was entitled to an answer.

Clinton continued his daily labors in the garden, which now began to give tokens of a fair harvest. He set apart a portion of each day to this business, and was always to be found engaged at his work, when the set hour arrived. While weeding the beds, and hoeing the corn and potatoes, and training the pea and bean vines, his thoughts often wandered far away,—sometimes to Jerry, now probably near the end of his voyage; and sometimes to the little stone cell in which Oscar was awaiting his trial.

June came, and as this was the month in which Oscar’s case was to be decided, Clinton began to look rather impatiently for a letter. He went to the post-office two or three times a week, but still no letter made its appearance. At length, however, his frequent visits were rewarded by the reception of a newspaper, directed to himself, in the well-known hand of his uncle. Tearing off the wrapper, and opening the paper,—for he could not wait till he got home,—a heavy black mark, drawn with a pen around a particular item, at once met his eye. The article was headed, “_Municipal Court_;” and after brief notices of several trials, sentences, etc., came the marked paragraph, which was as follows:—

“Oscar Preston, a minor, tried on two indictments for larceny. Verdict guilty, and sentenced to the State Reform School during his minority.”

This was all, and it told the whole story. Clinton was disappointed that the information was not conveyed by letter, which would have given him more particulars; but he concluded his uncle was too busy to write, and he felt glad he had not entirely forgotten him, in the hurry of business. He hastened home, and showed the short, sad record to his parents.

“Well,” said Mr. Davenport, on reading it, “that is the best place for him. They may make something of him yet.”

“What sort of a place is the Reform School?” inquired Clinton; “is it anything like a jail, or house of correction?”

“Not much, I suppose,” replied his father; “boys are sent there to be reformed and instructed, rather than punished. I have never visited an institution of this kind, myself, but I read quite a full description of the one in Massachusetts, not long ago, and perhaps I can find the paper that contained it. I will look over the files, some day when I have leisure.”

One rainy afternoon, not long after this, Mr. Davenport overhauled the papers referred to, and succeeded in finding the description of the Massachusetts Reform School. He gave it to Clinton, who was much interested in it. The following is the substance of the description:—

[Illustration: THE STATE REFORM SCHOOL, WESTBORO’.]

This institution is located in Westboro’, thirty-two miles from Boston, and is designed to accommodate five or six hundred boys. Any boy under sixteen years of age, who has been convicted of an offence, punishable by imprisonment, can be sentenced to the Reform School instead of the prison, unless his crime is a very aggravated one, such as the laws require to be punished by imprisonment for life. When a boy arrives at the School, he is first placed in the hands of the steward, who strips, washes, and dresses him in a suit of good clothes; he is then assigned to the field or workshop, and is not allowed to converse with his companions for two or three days, or until the superintendent understands his character and disposition. The boys are divided into four principal classes. The new comers enter the first class, and by dint of good conduct work their way up. Beyond the fourth is a still higher class, reached only by a few, and known as the class of “_Truth and Honor_.” To become a member of this class, a boy must pass a certain number of weeks without a demerit mark,—for a daily account of the merits and demerits of each boy is kept, and at the end of the week he is promoted or degraded, according to his deserts. It is so difficult to get into the class of “Truth and Honor,” that there are seldom more than eight or ten members. They enjoy extraordinary privileges,—are invited to the parlor of the superintendent,—have extra hours to play and read, and receive numerous special favors, greatly prized by them, and desired by others.

The daily order of business is as follows: The boys rise at five o’clock in summer, make their beds, march to the general wash-room, where they bathe their hands and face; attend prayers at a quarter before six; from six to seven for breakfast and play; work from seven to ten, A. M., and from three to six, P. M.; study from ten A. M., to three P. M., in two sessions of two hours each, with an hour for dinner and play, at noon; from six to seven, P. M., for supper and play; from seven to eight for the hearing and examination of all reports respecting the good or bad conduct of the boys, and the settlement of cases needing discipline which have occurred during the day. On Sunday they have a Sabbath-school, and religious worship in their chapel.

Many of the boys are employed in making shoes. They not only make and mend all their own shoes, but manufacture for dealers, who contract for their labor. About eighty boys are employed in the tailor’s shop, where all the clothing, bedding, etc., used in the institution, are made and repaired. In the shops, no noise or confusion is allowed during working hours. The boys are arranged in divisions, to each of which there is a monitor, who has a slate on his bench, with the names of the boys, in his division, written upon it, and when one of them commits a fault, the disciplinarian gives notice of the fact to the monitor,—who makes a demerit mark opposite to the delinquent’s name.

A portion of the boys are employed upon the farm, which embraces nearly three hundred acres. Then, there is the laundry, in which some twenty boys do the washing and ironing, under the direction of a matron; and the kitchen, in which several boys do the cooking and baking, etc.

Boys, committed to the Reform School, are kept till they are reformed and discharged, or bound out as apprentices to mechanics and farmers, or sent to prison if they are found to be incorrigible. They cannot be committed to the institution for less than one year, or for a longer term than during their minority.

“Well,” said Mr. Davenport, after Clinton had finished reading the account, “now you can imagine in what sort of a place Oscar is living, and what he is about,—for I suppose he has been sent to the Reform School before this.”

“Yes, sir,” replied Clinton, “and I guess it will come rather hard to him, at first, to go to work, don’t you?”

“No doubt it will,—but I suppose, if he can be made to form habits of industry and obedience, it will be comparatively easy to save him, even now.”

“I hope he will get into the class of ‘Truth and Honor,’” added Clinton.

“Ah,” said his father, “what a pity it is that boys ever get _out_ of that class! It is much easier to stay in it, than it is to get back again after a person has been once expelled from it. When you think of Oscar’s unhappy career, Clinton, I want you to remember what it was that led to it; and, beware, how you swerve a single hair from the line of TRUTH AND HONOR.”

Perhaps Mr. Davenport was thinking of Clinton’s entanglement in Jerry’s artful snares, the previous winter, when he uttered this warning; but he never directly alluded to that affair, since his son had given such unequivocal evidence of sorrow for his offence. Clinton, indeed, had already more than made up, by his exemplary conduct, what he lost in the good opinion of his parents by his unhappy connection with Jerry. He had the wisdom to profit by his experience, and the lesson which he learned from his temptation and fall, he will probably never forget. For the present, however, we must bid him good-by. Should the readers of this volume wish to know something further of his history, it is possible that I may be able to gratify their curiosity, some time or other.

VALUABLE WORKS FOR THE YOUNG.

YOUNG AMERICANS ABROAD; or, Vacation in Europe: the Results of a Tour through Great Britain, France, Holland, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland. By JOHN OVERTON CHOULES, D. D., and his PUPILS. With Elegant Illustrations. 16mo, cloth, 75 cts.

A highly entertaining work, embracing more real information, such as every one wishes to know about Europe, than any other book of travels ever published.

Three intelligent lads, who knew how to use their eyes, accompanied their tutor on a European tour; and, from a carefully-kept journal, they wrote out, in a series of letters to a favorite companion in study, at home, their impressions of the most remarkable places _en route_. The pencillings are genuine and unaffected, and in all respects form an interesting and instructive record of travel.—_Sartain’s Magazine._

One of the most instructive and delightful books of the age.—_Southern Lit. Gaz._

Boys, here is a book that will suit you exactly. It is a series of letters from certain boys travelling in Europe to their classmates in this country. It will improve your knowledge and amuse you during long winter nights.—_Methodist Prot._

It is worth much more than many a larger and more pretentious volume, for giving a daguerreotype of things abroad.—_Congregationalist._

A beautiful book for young people, unlike any thing we have ever seen.—_Ch. Ob._

Most interesting book that can be put into the hands of the young.—_Olive Branch._

The best book of foreign travel for youth to be found in the whole range of American literature.—_Buffalo Morning Express._

THE ISLAND HOME; or, the Young Castaways. By CHRISTOPHER ROMAUNT, ESQ. With Elegant Illustrations. 75 cts.

The best and prettiest book for boys that we have lately seen.—_Boston Post._

A stirring and unique work. It will interest the _juvenile men_ vastly.—_Olive Br._

Delightful narrative of the adventures of six boys who put to sea in an open boat, and were drifted to a desert island, where they lived in the manner of Robinson Crusoe.—_N. Y. Com._

A book of great interest, and one which will be a treat to any boy.—_Home Circle._

The young will pore over its pages with almost enchanted interest.—_Transcript._

A modern Robinson Crusoe story, without the dreary solitude of that famous hero. It will amuse and instruct the young in no ordinary degree.—_Southern Lit. Gazette._

A story that bids fair to rival the far-famed Robinson Crusoe. We become as much interested in the Max, Johnny, Arthur, and the rest of the goodly company, as in the Swiss Family Robinson.—_Sartain’s Magazine._

THE AMERICAN STATESMAN; or, Illustrations of the Life and Character of DANIEL WEBSTER, for the Entertainment and Instruction of American Youth. By the REV. JOSEPH BANVARD, author of “Plymouth and the Pilgrims,” “Novelties of the New World,” “Romance of American History,” etc. With elegant Illustrations. 75c.

☞ A work of great interest, presenting a sketch of the most striking and important events which occurred in the history of the distinguished statesman, Daniel Webster, avoiding entirely all points of a _political_ character; holding up to view, for the admiration and emulation of American youth, only his commendable traits of character. It is just such a work as every American patriot would wish his children to read and reflect upon.

VALUABLE WORKS FOR THE YOUNG.

BY REV. HARVEY NEWCOMB.

HOW TO BE A MAN; a Book for Boys, containing Useful Hints on the Formation of Character. Cloth, gilt, 50 cts.

“My design in writing has been to contribute something towards forming the character of those who are to be our future electors, legislators, governors, judges, ministers, lawyers, and physicians,—after the best model. It is intended for boys—or, if you please, for _young_ gentlemen, in early youth.”—_Preface._

“How to be a Man” is an inimitable little volume. We desire that it be widely circulated. It should be put into the hands of every youth in the land.—_Tenn. Bap._

HOW TO BE A LADY; a Book for Girls, containing Useful Hints on the Formation of Character. Cloth, gilt, 50 cts.

“Having daughters of his own, and having been many years employed in writing for the young, he hopes to offer some good advice, in an entertaining way, for girls or misses, between the ages of eight and fifteen. His object is, to assist them in forming their characters upon the best model; that they may become well-bred, intelligent, refined, and good; and then they will be real _ladies_, in the highest sense.”—_Preface._

Parents will consult the interests of their daughters, for time and eternity, in making them acquainted with this attractive and most useful volume.—_N. Y. Evangelist._

_The following Notices apply to both the above Volumes._

It would be better for the next generation if every youth would “read, learn, and inwardly digest” the contents of these volumes.—_N. Y. Commercial._

These volumes contain much matter which is truly valuable.—_Mer. Journal._

They contain wise and important counsels and cautions, adapted to the young, and made entertaining by the interesting style and illustrations of the author. They are fine mirrors, in which are reflected the prominent lineaments of the _Christian young gentleman and young lady_. Elegant presents for the young.—_American Pulpit._

Newcomb’s books are excellent. We are pleased to commend them.—_N. Y. Obs._

They are books well calculated to do good.—_Phil. Ch. Chronicle._

Common-sense, practical hints on the formation of character and habits, and are adapted to the improvement of youth.—_Mothers’ Journal._

ANECDOTES FOR BOYS; Entertaining Anecdotes and Narratives, illustrative of Principles and Character. 18mo, gilt, 42 cts.

ANECDOTES FOR GIRLS; Entertaining Anecdotes and Narratives, illustrative of Principles and Character. 18mo, gilt, 42 cts.

Interesting and instructive, without being fictitious. The anecdotes are many, short, and spirited, with a moral drawn from each, adapted to every age, condition, and duty of life. We commend them to families and schools.—_Albany Spectator._

Works of great value, for a truth or principle is sooner instilled into the youthful heart by an anecdote, than in any other way. They are well selected.—_Ev’g Gaz._

Nothing has a greater interest for a youthful mind than a well-told story, and no medium of conveying moral instructions so attractive or so successful. The influence is far more powerful when the child is assured that they are _true_. We cannot too strongly recommended them to parents.—_Western Continent, Baltimore._

NATIONAL SERIES OF AMERICAN HISTORIES.

BY REV. JOSEPH BANVARD.

☞ _The attention of the public is invited to the following notices of_ BANVARD’S HISTORIES. _They contain a vast fund of just that kind of information, presented in a style possessing all the attractiveness and charm of romance, which every American, whether old or young, should possess._

PLYMOUTH AND THE PILGRIMS;

Or, Incidents of Adventures in the History of the First Settlers. With Illustrations. 16mo, cloth, 60 cts.

MR. BANVARD has wrought a good work in collecting, arranging, and presenting in so graphic and agreeable a manner the leading incidents of an event which will ever wake to quicken while the “Pilgrim Rock” tells its story, or a drop of pilgrim blood warms the veins of a descendant—_Bangor Mercury._

The book, when once taken up, will not be laid down until finished.—_Boston Cour._

An interesting volume. The incidents are well chosen, and are described in that direct, simple, and sprightly manner, for which Mr. Banvard is so justly esteemed, and which eminently qualifies him to be a writer for the young.—_Am. Traveller._

It is written in a terse and vigorous style, and is well adapted for popular reading, and particularly to entertain and instruct the youthful mind.—_Mercantile Journal._

Every New Englander should own this book.—_Scientific American._

This is a beautifully executed and extremely interesting volume. It is written in a plain, but vigorous style, particularly adapted to the young, though it may be read with interest by the older ones.—_Ch. Freeman._

Highly attractive in style and instructive in matter, and well calculated to engage the attention of young persons.—_N. Y. Com. Adv._

MR. BANVARD has here produced a work that will be read with pleasure and instruction by every one. The style is clear and forcible, and his manner of weaving incidents and character, and giving position to historical events, felicitous.—_Bee._

This book we predict will be, ere long, at the fire-side of every descendant of the Pilgrims in New England.—_Commonwealth._

It is written in a pleasing style, abounding in incident, anecdote, and fact. The author has shelled the grain from the dry husks, and so spread a feast better adapted to the tastes and requirements of the young.—_Rambler._

This book will be read with peculiar interest by all who would learn the causes which gave to our country its peculiar religious and political character.—_Cabinet._

There is no work on American history of the same size which affords an equal amount of information.—_Carpet Bag._

It reminds us much of that admirable historical series for the young, Sir Walter Scott’s Tales of a Grandfather.—_Ch. Register._

Treated with the talent and skill for which Mr. Banvard has become noted, as a descriptive and popular writer.—_Watchman and Reflector._

Few works will have a greater run, especially with youth. Many thrilling facts are either brought to light for the first time from musty records, or from tomes inaccessible to the public generally.—_Journal and Messenger._

It is full of interest, abounding with vivid illustrations of fearless courage, enduring fortitude, ingenious strategy, and romantic adventure. It will find its way into every family.—_Willis’s Home Journal._

NOVELTIES OF THE NEW WORLD;

AN ACCOUNT OF THE ADVENTURES AND DISCOVERIES of the First Explorers of North America. By REV. JOSEPH BANVARD, author of “Plymouth and the Pilgrims,” etc. Being the second volume of BANVARD’S SERIES OF AMERICAN HISTORIES. With numerous Illustrations. 16mo, cloth, 60 cts.

If MR. BANVARD completes the series as he has begun, he will supply an important desideratum for the young—a series of books which will serve as valuable introductions and enticements to more extended historical reading. The plan of the author is to seize on the prominent and interesting points in the history of our country, and present them in a continuous and sprightly narrative.—_Am. Traveller._

We have seen the boys bend over these pages, unwilling to leave them, either for play or sleep; and when finished, inquiring anxiously when the next would come.—_Watchman and Reflector._

It has all the interest of a romance.—_Portland Transcript._

Written in a felicitous style, which is neither too childish for adults, nor yet too difficult of comprehension for children, they will delight and instruct.—_Journal._

Some of the most interesting scenes and events in the New World are here brought together and invested with a charm that is irresistible by old or young.—_Ch. Intel._

The subject is handled in a masterly manner.—_Olive Branch._

This is a lively and entertaining history of some of the most romantic and important events in the early times of European explorations of America.—_Commonwealth._

MR. BANVARD has much of that talent, so rare and valuable, which enables its possessor to interest and instruct the young. We are glad to see the romantic stories of our colonial times disinterred and reproduced from the ponderous volumes in which they have been buried, and brought forward in a form adapted to the taste and capacity of the youthful reader.—N. Y. RECORDER.

It contains strange adventures filled with romance. The volume has also some fourteen good illustrations.—_Express._

The extraordinary hardships and thrilling incidents connected with the history of the early explorers, together with the charm which Mr. Banvard has thrown around it by his popular style of writing, renders it exceedingly interesting.—_Ch. Sec._

A very pleasant, instructive, and interesting book is this. The historical incidents, sketches of character, national customs, and amusing anecdotes told in it, give it a charm which even the grave scholar will acknowledge and approve.—_Patriot._

The style is very agreeable, and his selection of the most remarkable incidents very happy and judicious, and well calculated to improve the mind.—_Sci. American._

Much that is fresh for the reader, imparted with tact and spirit.—_Home Journal._

How “novel” was the “New World” when examined by the first explorers, and Mr. Banvard has gone over the ground in so charming a manner that he seems to have brought the scenes down to our own experience. _Every page is absorbingly interesting._—_East Boston Gazette._

The book only needs to be known to command readers.—_Watchman of Prairies._

The popularity of the author, and the admirable productions of his pen, already so widely circulated, are a sufficient pledge that any thing from him will be found to possess sterling merit and worth.—_Transcript._

MR. BANVARD has hit upon a happy idea in this series of publications, and will no doubt find a full sanction in the public patronage.—_Zion’s Herald._

The author possesses the art of making simple truth far more interesting than the wonders of fable.—_Evergreen._

ROMANCE OF AMERICAN HISTORY;

OR, AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY SETTLEMENT of North Carolina and Virginia, embracing a Narrative of the tragic Incidents connected with the Spanish Settlement at St. Augustine, the French Colonies at Roanoke, and the English Plantation at Jamestown; the Captivity of Captain John Smith, and the interesting Adventures of the youthful Pocahontas. By REV. JOSEPH BANVARD. Being the third volume of BANVARD’S SERIES OF AMERICAN HISTORIES. With numerous Illustrations. 16mo, cloth, 60 cts.

This is the third volume of Mr. Banvard’s attractive series of books founded on the early history of our country; and it will make a most valuable addition to all family and school libraries.—_Arthur’s Gazette._

It has all the interest of romance and the additional interest of history.—_Pur. Rec._

It is a volume just such as we like to see in the hands of intelligent youth, and just such as intelligent youth like to have given them. It shows that there were times that tried men’s souls “long before the day of the Revolution.” It unfolds the dangers that were passed, the trials endured, the labors undergone in order to wrest from savage men and a savage wilderness this fair and wide domain which we now enjoy.—_Willis’s Home Journal._

As interesting as a novel, and a thousand times more profitable.—_Lit. Messenger._

Every library should contain this National Series of Histories.—_N. E. Farmer._

Admirably fitted for fire-side, family reading. Its style is clear and simple; its succession of events happily chosen.—_Am. Traveller._

No man has a better taste than Mr. Banvard for such a work. If any person can read his books without rising from the perusal of them with stronger love for the history of his country, he must be different from ordinary men.—_Watch. of Prairies._

No more instructive reading can be put into the hands of the young.—_Port. Tran._

It is difficult to say whether the entertaining or instructive predominates.—_Argus._

It is just the book to interest young persons. It combines the interest of romance with the value of truth.—_Zion’s Herald._

MR. BANVARD has chosen a most entertaining theme for the labors of his graceful and facile pen. The earlier history of the peopling of the American continent by the Europeans is full of romantic and thrilling incident. It is a book for the aged, the middle aged, and the young; a book for our youths and maidens; a book to render us thankful for the virtues and heroism of our fathers, and for the blessings their sufferings and labors have entailed upon us.—_Democratic Press._

MR. BANVARD’S series of books upon the early history of America are full of fascinating interest.—_Republican._

The incidents are curious and deeply interesting. It is truly the romance of history.—_Religious Herald._

A book of deep and thrilling interest, containing many interesting historical sketches of scenes that are not familiar to the young reader.—_Ch. Secretary._

This is a very interesting work. The personal incidents it records will be gratifying to the curious.—_Ch. Observer._

☞ Other volumes of this popular series are in course of preparation. The series will embrace the most interesting and important events which have occurred in the United States since the settlement of the country. They will be adapted to the popular mind, and especially to the youth of our country, and will contain numerous fine engravings. There will be twelve or more 16mo volumes, of about 300 pages. Each volume to be _complete in itself_; and yet, when all are published, they will together form a regular SERIES OF AMERICAN HISTORIES.

PLEASANT PAGES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE; OR, A BOOK OF HOME EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT.

By S. PROUT NEWCOMBE. With numerous Illustrations. 75c.

☞ This work is designed for the pleasure and profit of young people; and, as the title indicates, intended as an aid to Home Education. The great variety of subjects presented, consisting of Moral Lessons, Natural History, History, Travels, Physical Geography, Object Lessons, Drawing and Perspective, Music, Poetry, etc., and withal, so skilfully treated as to make truth simple and attractive, renders it an admirable family book for winter evenings and summer days.

A very excellent book. History, philosophy, science, stories, and descriptions of games are all mingled together, and he who does not like the compound must be hard to please.—_Post._

Pleasant pages, containing information on a great variety of subjects. Here we have science and art made plain and captivating. The lessons in drawing and perspective alone are worth the price of the volume. And then a thousand questions which the intelligent young mind raises are here answered.—_Parlor Magazine._

This is indeed a home book of endless amusement.—_Boston Atlas._

An admirable book of home education. We commend it to families.—_Alb. Spec._

A work admirably adapted to the instruction and amusement of the young.—_Reg._

A pleasant book, full of all sorts of information upon all sorts of subjects.—_Jour._

One of the most delightful works for young people we have ever met with. Few persons, young or old, could examine its pages without gaining knowledge of a useful kind. It is one of the most successful combinations of the pleasant with the useful to be found.—_Daily Advertiser._

A book of not only “pleasant pages,” but of singularly _instructive_ pages. Even people not so very young might be profited by its perusal.—_South Boston Gazette._

It presents much solid information, and opens before the young new fields of observation. The youngsters will clap their hands with joy.—_Scientific American._

There is a great deal of valuable information communicated in a very simple and easy way. While it is full of useful instruction to children, it is also suggestive to those who are called to conduct their education.—_Puritan Recorder._

We like this book: it is well fitted for the family library. The young like facts; when these are set forth in a pleasant way, the interest is greater than fiction ever awakens, unless the fiction is made to appear like truth.—_Godey’s Ladies’ Book._

THE GUIDING STAR; or, The Bible God’s Message. By LOUISA PAYSON HOPKINS. With Frontispiece. 16mo, cloth, 50 cts.

An excellent work to put into the hands of youth. It is written in conversational style, and opens up most beautifully, and with great simplicity, the great leading evidences that the Bible contains God’s message to man. Those seeking after truth will find it worthy of frequent perusal.—DR. SPRAGUE, _in Albany Spectator_.

We cordially commend the work to parents, children, and Sabbath schools.—_Cong._

This volume should be in the hands of every youthful reader, and adult persons would find it not only interesting, but instructive.—_Ch. Chron._

The popular author of this book has conferred a favor on the public, for which she deserves something more than _thanks_.—_Ch. Secretary._

One of the most valuable books for youth that we have seen.—_Cong. Journal._

A book of more than common excellence. How often have we wished that all the youth of our land might become familiar with its contents.—_Ch. Mirror._

CHAMBERS’S WORKS.

CHAMBERS’S HOME BOOK AND POCKET MISCELLANY. Containing a Choice Selection of Interesting and Instructive Reading for the Old and the Young. Six vols. 16mo, cloth, 3,00.

This work is considered fully equal, if not superior, to either of the Chambers’s other works in interest, and, like them, contains a vast fund of valuable information. Following somewhat the plan of the “Miscellany,” it is admirably adapted to the school or the family library, furnishing ample variety for every class of readers, both old and young.

We do not know how it is possible to publish so much good reading matter at such a low price. We speak a good word for the literary excellence of the stories in this work; we hope our people will introduce it into all their families, in order to drive away the miserable flashy-trashy stuff so often found in the hands of our young people of both sexes.—_Scientific American._

Both an entertaining and instructive work, as it is a very cheap one.—_Puritan Rec._

It cannot but have an extensive circulation.—_Albany Express._

Of all the series of cheap books, this promises to be the best.—_Bangor Mercury._

If any person wishes to read for amusement or profit, to kill time or improve it, get “Chambers’s Home Book.”—_Chicago Times._

The Chambers are confessedly the best caterers for popular and useful reading in the world.—_Willis’s Home Journal._

A very entertaining, instructive, and popular work.—_N. Y. Commercial._

The articles are of that attractive sort which suits us in moods of indolence when we would linger half way between wakefulness and sleep. They require just thought and activity enough to keep our feet from the land of Nod, without forcing us to run, walk, or even stand.—_Eclectic, Portland._

It is just the thing to amuse a leisure hour, and at the same time combines _instruction_ with amusement.—_Dover Inquirer._

Messrs. Chambers, of Edinburgh, have become famous wherever the English language is spoken and read, for their interesting and instructive publications. They combine _instruction_ with _amusement_, and throughout they breathe a spirit of the purest morality.—_Chicago Tribune._

CHAMBERS’S REPOSITORY OF INSTRUCTIVE AND AMUSING PAPERS. With Illustrations. An entirely New Series, containing Original Articles. p. 260, 16mo, cloth, per vol. 50 cents.

The Messrs. Chambers have recently commenced the publication of this work, under the title of “CHAMBERS’S REPOSITORY OF INSTRUCTIVE AND AMUSING TRACTS,” similar in style, etc., to the “Miscellany,” which has maintained an enormous circulation of more than _eighty thousand copies in England_, and has already reached nearly the same in this country. Arrangements have been made by the American publishers, to issue the work simultaneously with the English edition, a volume every two months, to continue until the whole series is completed. Each volume complete in itself, and will be sold in sets or single volumes.

☞ Commendatory Letters, Reviews, Notices, &c., of _each_ of Chambers’s works, sufficient to make a good sized duodecimo volume, have been received by the publishers, but room here will only allow giving a specimen of the vast multitude at hand. They are all popular, and contain valuable instructive and entertaining reading—such as should be found in every family, school, and college library.

THE CAPTIVE IN PATAGONIA; OR LIFE AMONG THE GIANTS.

By BENJAMIN F. BOURNE. With Illustrations. 12mo, cloth, 85 cts.

This work, by Captain Bourne,—who was taken captive and retained three months by the Patagonians,—gives an account of his capture and final escape; a description of this strange people; their manners, customs, habits, pursuits; the country, its soil productions, etc., of which little or nothing has heretofore been known. ☞ A work of thrilling interest, and of instruction to every class of readers.

Any book, descriptive of a country which is almost like fable land to the civilized world, must possess great interest; but this work, besides having _this_ attraction, is written with much vigor and spirit, and is replete with a variety of interesting facts, descriptive of the manners, customs, character, etc., of the Patagonians.—_Sav. Jour._

A work of thrilling interest, and bids fair to be another Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Captain Bourne is well known and highly respected in this community; and the narrative of his strange adventures, startling and romantic as they may seem, can be relied upon as strictly true.—_Nantucket Eagle._

We have seldom read a work of such intense interest—_N. H. Sentinel._

This is a narrative of great interest.—_Phil. Ch. Observer._

We question whether the scenes, trials, hardships, adventures, etc., could have been more vividly drawn had they emanated from the pen of an IRVING or a COOPER.—_Rutland (Vt.) Herald._

The author is known as a respectable man, and one of high integrity; and from his own experience has given particulars of the manners, customs, habits, and pursuits of the natives. It is a thrilling narrative, and as exciting as Typee.—_Newport Merc._

No work of romance can exceed to enchain the mind and awaken interest.—_Cong._

Seldom, if ever, have we perused a work with so intense an interest. No work of romance can excel it in power to enchant the mind, and awaken a nervous desire to possess the valuable information which it communicates.—_Amherst Express._

Having begun it one evening, we would not quit until the book had been finished.—_Montpelier Journal._

Uncle Tom may stand aside for the present. Mrs. Stowe may herself, as well as her readers, listen to the tale of a New Bedford sailor. His narrative is one that cannot fail to move both to smiles and tears,—containing touches of the broadest and most genial humor, as well as passages of simple pathos, which dissolve the soul in sympathy.—_B. H. Aurora._

Possessing all the interest of real adventure, with all the attractiveness of romance, we do not wonder at its popularity.—_Boston Atlas._

We have never before perused any personal narrative that has interested us as this one.—_Fountain and Journal, Me._

We have scarcely been able to leave its attractive pages. If the reader wishes to be amused, instructed, delighted, and benefited, he cannot do better than to procure a copy.—_Gardiner Evening Transcript._

THE HISTORY OF BANKING; with a Comprehensive Account of the Origin, Rise, and Progress of the Banks of England, Ireland, and Scotland. By WILLIAM JOHN LAWSON. First American Edition. Revised, with numerous additions. By J. SMITH HOMANS, Editor of Bankers’ Magazine. 1 vol. octavo, 2,00.

☞ A novel book, yet interesting and instructive; containing anecdotes of men who have figured largely in the business, cases of forgeries, counterfeits, detections, trials, etc.

CHAMBERS’S CYCLOPEDIA OF ENGLISH LITERATURE. A Selection of the choicest productions of English Authors, from the earliest to the present time. Connected by a Critical and Biographical History. Forming two large imperial octavo volumes of 1400 pages, double column letter-press; with upwards of 300 elegant Illustrations. Edited by ROBERT CHAMBERS, embossed cloth, 5,00.

This work embraces about _one thousand authors_, chronologically arranged and classed as Poets, Historians, Dramatists, Philosophers, Metaphysicians, Divines, etc., with choice selections from their writings, connected by a Biographical, Historical, and Critical Narrative; thus presenting a complete view of English literature from the earliest to the present time. Open where you will, you cannot fail to find matter for profit and delight. The selections are gems—infinite riches in a little room; “A WHOLE ENGLISH LIBRARY FUSED DOWN INTO ONE CHEAP BOOK!”

From W. H. PRESCOTT, AUTHOR OF “FERDINAND AND ISABELLA.” The plan of the work is very judicious.... Readers cannot fail to profit largely by the labors of the critic who has the talent and taste to separate what is really beautiful and worthy of their study from what is superfluous.

I concur in the foregoing opinion of Mr. Prescott.—EDWARD EVERETT.

A work indispensable to the library of a student of English literature.—WAYLAND.

We hail with peculiar pleasure the appearance of this work.—_North Am. Review._

It has been fitly described as “_a whole English library fused down into one cheap book_.” The Boston edition combines neatness with cheapness.—_N. Y. Com. Adv._

☞ The American edition contains additional likenesses of SHAKESPEARE, ADDISON, BYRON; a full length portrait of DR. JOHNSON, and a beautiful scenic representation of OLIVER GOLDSMITH and DR. JOHNSON. These important additions, together with superior paper and binding, render the American far superior to the English edition. The circulation of this work has been immense, and its sale in this country still continues unabated.

CHAMBERS’S MISCELLANY OF USEFUL AND ENTERTAINING KNOWLEDGE. Edited by WILLIAM CHAMBERS. With Elegant Illustrative Engravings. Ten volumes, 16mo, cloth, 7,00.

This work has been highly recommended by distinguished individuals, as admirably adapted to Family, Sabbath, and District School Libraries.

It would be difficult to find any miscellany superior or even equal to it; it richly deserves the epithets “useful and entertaining,” and I would recommend it very strongly as extremely well adapted to form parts of a library for the young, or of a social or circulating library in town or country.—GEORGE B. EMERSON, ESQ., CHAIRMAN BOSTON SCHOOL BOOK COMMITTEE.

I am gratified to have an opportunity to be instrumental in circulating “Chambers’s Miscellany” among the schools for which I am superintendent.—J. J. CLUTE, _Town. Sup. of Castleton, N. Y._

I am not acquainted with any similar collection in the English language that can compare with it for purposes of instruction or amusement. I should rejoice to see that set of books in every house in our country.—REV. JOHN O. CHOULES, D. D.

The information contained in this work is surprisingly great; and for the fire-side, and the young, particularly, it cannot fail to prove a most valuable and entertaining companion.—_N. Y. Evangelist._

An admirable compilation. It unites the useful and entertaining.—_N. Y. Com._

MY FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF ENGLAND AND ITS PEOPLE.

By HUGH MILLER, author of “Old Red Sandstone,” “Footprints of the Creator,” etc., with a fine likeness of the author. 12mo, 1,00.

Let not the careless reader imagine, from the title of this book, that it is a common book of travels, on the contrary, it is a very remarkable one, both in design, spirit, and execution. The facts recorded, and the views advanced in this book, are so fresh, vivid, and natural, that we cannot but commend it as a treasure, both of information and entertainment.—_Willis’s Home Journal._

This is a noble book, worthy of the author of the Footprints of the Creator and the Old Red Sandstone, because it is seasoned with the same power of vivid description, the same minuteness of observation, and soundness of criticism, and the same genial piety. We have read it with deep interest, and with ardent admiration of the author’s temper and genius. It is almost impossible to lay the book down, even to attend to more pressing matters. It is, without compliment or hyperbole, a most delightful volume.—_N. Y. Commercial._

This is a most amusing and instructive book, by a master hand.—_Dem. Rev._

The author of this work proved himself, in the Footprints of the Creator, one of the most original thinkers and powerful writers of the age. In the volume before us he adds new laurels to his reputation. Whoever wishes to understand the character of the present race of Englishmen, as contradistinguished from past generations; to comprehend the workings of political, social, and religious agitation in the minds, not of the nobility or gentry, but of the _people_, will discover that, in this volume, he has found a treasure.—_Peterson’s Magazine._

His eyes were open to see, and his ears to hear, every thing; and, as the result of what he saw and heard in “merrie” England, he has made one of the most spirited and attractive volumes of travels and observations that we have met with.—_Trav._

Hugh Miller is one of the most agreeable, entertaining, and instructive writers of the age. We know of no work in England so full of adaptedness to the age as this. It opens up clearly to view the condition of its various classes, sheds new light into its social, moral, and religious history, its geological peculiarities, and draws conclusions of great value.—_Albany Spectator._

The author, one of the most remarkable men of the age, arranged for this journey into England, expecting to “lodge in humble cottages, and wear a humble dress, and see what was to be seen by humble men only,—society without its mask.” Such an observer might be expected to bring to view a thousand things unknown, or partially known before; and abundantly does he fulfil this expectation. It is one of the most absorbing books of the time.—_Portland Ch. Mirror._

NEW WORK.

MY SCHOOLS AND SCHOOLMASTERS;

OR THE STORY OF MY EDUCATION.

BY HUGH MILLER, author of “Footprints of the Creator,” “Old Red Sandstone,” “First Impressions of England,” etc. 12mo, cl.

This is a personal narrative of a deeply interesting and instructive character, concerning one of the most remarkable men of the age. No one who purchases this book will have occasion to regret it, our word for it!

THE CRUISE OF THE NORTH STAR:

A NARRATIVE OF THE EXCURSION MADE BY MR. VANDERBILT’S PARTY, IN THE STEAM YACHT, in her Voyage to England, Russia, Denmark, France, Spain, Italy, Malta, Turkey, Madeira, etc. By Rev. JOHN OVERTON CHOULES, D. D. With elegant Illustrations, and fine Likenesses of Commodore Vanderbilt and Capt. Eldridge. 12mo, cloth, gilt backs and sides. $1.50.

The cruise of the North Star was an event of almost national concern, and was watched with universal interest. This volume is as different from ordinary books of travel as the cruise of the North Star was different from an ordinary trip to Europe. We need not bespeak for it many readers.—_Providence Jour._

The American people ought to be proud of, and grateful to, Cornelius Vanderbilt. This man has done more than a dozen presidents to give America a respected name in Europe. In the person of Cornelius Vanderbilt, American enterprise told the people of Europe what it could do. The desire to get this curious narrative was so great that the whole of the first edition went off in two days!—_Star of the West._

Those who remember to have met with a very interesting work, published some two years ago, entitled “Young Americans Abroad,” will be glad to learn that here is another book of travels from the same source. Do you say your shelves are all full of books of travel?—we reply, with Leigh Hunt,—then put in another shelf, and place this one on it.—_Methodist Protestant._

The work is one of the most entertaining, and, in its way, vivid, portraitures of scenes in the Old World, that we have ever seen.—_Boston Transcript._

The book is in many respects as novel as the occasion which produced it was unique and memorable. Both the accomplished author and the publishers deserve the best thanks for so tasteful a record of a performance which has reflected so much credit abroad upon American enterprise.—_N. Y. Courier & Enquirer._

This work is interesting, not only as a memorial of the North Star, and her trip to Europe, but also as a record of European travel, narrated in a lively manner, by a gentleman whose taste and attainments eminently qualify him for the task.—_New York Times._

Never before did a private individual make so magnificent an excursion as Mr. Vanderbilt. Dr. Choules, who was one of his guests, has given to the world a charming account of this unique voyage, in a beautifully printed and illustrated volume. We commend it to our readers as a very entertaining, well-written book.—_Zion’s Herald._

The book will be eagerly perused, as a record of one of the unique occurrences of the age; is written with a kind of drawing-room, etiquette-like style, is mellow in sentiment, and is wholly destitute of that straining after the sublime, and stranding in the “high-falutin,” that characterize the effusions of the tourist generally.—_Chicago Advertiser._

This beautiful volume describes, in a chaste and readable manner, the fortunes of the widely-known excursion of the princely New York merchant and his family and guests. From the eclat of the voyage itself, and the pleasant way of Dr. Choules’ account of it, we think the book is destined to have—what it deserves—a very large sale.—_Congregationalist._

New and Popular Series for Youth.

THE AIMWELL STORIES;

A SERIES OF VOLUMES, ILLUSTRATIVE OF YOUTHFUL CHARACTER, AND COMBINING INSTRUCTION WITH AMUSEMENT.

BY WALTER AIMWELL,

Author of “The Boy’s Own Guide,” “Boy’s Book of Morals and Manners,” &c.

With Numerous Illustrations.

The volumes will contain about 300 pages, 16mo, each, bound in cloth, with gilt backs. Price 63 cents.

☞ Each volume will be complete and independent of itself, but the series will be connected together by a partial identity of characters, localities, &c.

The first two volumes of this series are now ready. They are entitled—

OSCAR; OR, THE BOY WHO HAD HIS OWN WAY,

AND

CLINTON; OR, BOY-LIFE IN THE COUNTRY.

Notices of Clinton.

Well, the boys have read it, and pronounce it “_first-rate_.” We confirm their judgment. It enters into the heart of the boy; comprehends his thoughts, his wishes, and his temptations; mingles in his sports; stimulates him in his studies, and implants right principles and noble views. It is a safe book, an entertaining book, and a useful book.—_The Independent, N. Y._

We attempted to read this book, but the boys got hold of it, and, morning, noon, and night, they kept hold of it, until one, and another, and another still, had read it through. If their judgment is worth anything, the book is capital, one of the very best of its kind.—_N. Y. Evangelist._

We like “Clinton” for its naturalness. It is a narrative about real life, pleasantly described in just the way to attract young readers, resembling, and quite equal to, the “Rollo” series.—_Christian Register._

A better book, as a mere book of combined amusement and instruction for boys, could scarcely be found.—_Saturday Evening Mail._

“_A prime book_,” as we heard a little boy say who had just got through with it.—_Youth’s Companion, Boston._

A better book a boy can hardly read.—_Forrester’s Boys’ and Girls’ Magazine._

The boy who begins it is sure to peruse it from title-page to finis; and he who does so can hardly fail of wishing to be a better and wiser boy.—_Zion’s Herald._

One of the best books for boys we have ever seen. Its descriptions are exact, and all its details are those of actual life. Its moral and religious influence is excellent.—_Congregationalist._

Transcriber’s Notes

pg 135 Changed: There were warm buscuits and butter to: There were warm biscuits and butter

pg 145 Changed: who havn’t any baggage to: who haven’t any baggage

pg 151 Changed: express wagons; omnibusses and coaches to: express wagons; omnibuses and coaches