The illustrations are of a superior order, and a very complete Index, which will be appreciated by every teacher, supplements the book. In a word, no pains have been spared to enhance the value of the work, and render it an important auxiliary in the dissemination of useful and entertaining knowledge.

The publishers beg to acknowledge their obligations to the Sisters of Mercy, Loretto, Pa., to whose kindness they are indebted for many valuable suggestions.

In the hope that the book may be found suited to the accomplishment of its aim, it is respectfully submitted to schools and instructors of youth, who are the best judges of its merits.

CONTENTS.

ChapterPage
I [Dew, Water, Rain, Snow, Hail, Atmosphere, Wind, Lightning,Thunder, Electricity, Twilight, and the AuroraBorealis]13
II [Corn, Barley, Pearl Barley, Oats, Rye, Potatoes, Tea,Coffee, and Chocolate]23
III [Calico, Cotton, Cloth, Wool, Baize, Linen, Flax, Hemp,Diaper, Holland, Canvas, and Flannel]28
IV [Cocoa, Toddy, Cherries, Bark, Cork, Cochineal, Cloves,Cinnamon, and Cassia]34
V [Bombazine, Crape, Camlet, Cambric, Lace, Silk, Velvet,and Mohair]40
VI [Currants, Raisins, Figs, Rice, Sugar, Sugar Candy, &c.,Sago, Millet, Ginger, Nutmeg, Mace, Pimento or Allspice,Pepper, and Cayenne Pepper]46
VII [Glass, Mirrors, Earthenware, Porcelain, Needles, Pins,Paper, Printing, Parchment, and Vellum]53
VIII [Capers, Almonds, Oranges, Lemons, Citrons, Limes, Olives,Oils, Melons, Tamarinds, and Dates]61
IX [Hats, Stockings, Shoes, Gloves, Leather, Furs, and Ink]70
X [Asbestus, Salt, Coal, Iron, Copper, Brass, Zinc, and LapisCalaminaris]76
XI [Yams, Mangoes, Bread-Fruit, Shea or Butter Tree, CowTree, Water Tree, Licorice, Manna, Opium, Tobacco,and Gum]85
XII [Spectacles, Mariner's Compass, Barometer, Thermometer,Watches, Clocks, Telescope, Microscope, Gunpowder,Steam Engine, and Electro-Magnetic Telegraph]94
XIII [Soap, Candles, Tallow Tree, Spermaceti, Wax, Mahogany,India Rubber or Caoutchouc, Sponge, Coral,Lime, Carbon, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Gas, Hydrogen,Chalk, and Marble]105
XIV [Gold, Silver, Lead, Tin, Platina, Sulphur, Gems orPrecious Stones—as Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds,Turquois, Pearls, Mother-of-Pearl, and Ivory]118
XV [Starch, Arrow-root, Tapioca, Isinglass, Caviare, theVine, Wine, Gin, Rum, Brandy, Vinegar, Indigo,Gamboge, Logwood, Tar, Pitch, Camphor, Musk,Myrrh, Frankincense, and Turpentine]133
XVI [Bricks, Mortar, Granite, Slate, Limestone, or CalcareousRocks, Steel, Earths, Volcanoes, and Earthquakes]144
XVII [Architecture, Sculpture, Use of Money, and Navigation]156
XVIII [Music, Painting, Poetry, Astronomy, Arts andSciences, Art of Writing, and Chemistry]174
XIX [Attraction, Tides, Gravity, Artesian Wells, Air,Aneroid Barometer, Ear-Trumpet, Stethoscope,Audiphone, Telephone, Phonograph, Microphone,Megaphone, Tasimeter, Bathometer, Anemometer,Chronometer]201
XX [Light, Lime Light, Magnesium Light, Electric Light,Rainbow, Prism, Spectrum, Colors, Photography,Camera Obscura, Stereoscope, Kaleidoscope]207
XXI [Electricity, Electric Currents, Electric Battery, Electrotyping,Stereotyping, Telegraph, Ocean Cable,Lightning Rod, The Gulf Stream, The Mt. CenisTunnel, The Suez Canal, Suspension Bridges, EminentAmericans]210
[Index]219

A CATECHISM
OF
FAMILIAR THINGS.