Modern Fables
Luxury.
Of two cats, one, thinking to be very fine, hunted only humming birds,
and the other hunted only mice. The first had to hunt much longer than
the other, because humming birds were scarce, so that it spent nearly
all its life in getting food, while the other had little trouble to get
all it wanted. How unfortunate it is, said the first cat, that I have
formed my liking for what is so hard to get an
it.
Fastidiousness.
A fastidious ox would not drink while standing in the water with his
head turned down stream lest he should soil the water with his feet. But
once when drinking with his head turned up stream he saw a whole drove
of hogs washing in the water above him.
Attracting Attention.
A flea, which saw many people trying to get the attention of a king and
waiting long for that purpose, said: Though I am but a little thing, I
will get his attention. So he jumped up the throne until he got on the
king's head. Here he received recognition from the king by a slap, and
when he boasted to a dog of his success, the latter said: Some get
attention by their merit, others by their demerit. In making yourself a
nuisance you get recognition before the lords of the realm, but only as
a flea.
Gambling.
A monkey playing with a steel trap got his tail cut off. He went back
the next day to get his tail, when he got his foot cut off. Now, he
said, I will go back and get both my foot and my tail. He went back,
and the third time he got his head cut off, which ended his monkeying
with the trap.
Mugwumpery.
A mule on one side of a fence was discontented because he was not on the
other side. He finally jumped over, when he was equally discontented
because he was not back again. Which side of the fence do you want to
be on? asked a horse. It does not matter, replied the mule, provided
I am on the other side.
The Non-Partisan.
A dog, running about in an irregular way, was asked where he was going.
I am not going anywhere, replied the dog, but only running about to
learn where to go.
Partisanship.
The swans, wishing to drive the peacocks from a park, procured a law
against big feet. The peacocks retaliated by getting a counter law
against big necks. Soon one side could see nothing but ugly feet, and
the other nothing but long necks. At last they came to think peacocks
were all feet and swans all neck.
More
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Formalities In Dress And Etiquette
Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy was old Polonius' advice to his son, and he counseled suitability as well. It is this question of suitability that is the hall mark of correct dressing. A safe rule to follow, especially in the case of a young w... Geographical Nicknames
States and Territories. Alabama, Cotton State; Arkansas, Toothpick and Bear State; California, Eureka and Golden State; Colorado, Centennial State; Connecticut, Land of Steady Habits: Freestone State and Nutmeg State; Dakota, Sioux St... Grammar-spelling-pronunciation
Five Hundred Common Errors Corrected Concise Rules for the Proper Use of Words in Writing or Speaking. The most objectionable errors in speaking or writing are those in which words are employed that are unsuitable to convey the meaning intended.... Hand Grenades
Take chloride of calcium, crude, 20 parts; common salt, 5 parts; and water, 75 parts. Mix and put in thin bottles. In case of fire, a bottle so thrown that it will break in or very near the fire will put it out. This mixture is better and cheaper th... Handy Weights And Measures
One quart of wheat flour is one pound. One quart of corn meal weighs eighteen ounces. One quart of butter, soft, weighs 14 to 16 ounces. One quart of brown sugar weighs from a pound to a pound and a quarter, according to dampness. One quart of white... Happiness Defined
Wanting nothing and knowing it. The mental sunshine of content. A will-o'-the-wisp which eludes us even when we grasp it. Excelsior! The ever-retreating summit on the hill of our ambition. The prize at the top of a greasy pole which is cont... Height Of Noted Structures
Following is the height in feet of some noted monuments and structures: Amiens cathedral, 383; Bunker Hill monument, 221; Capitol, Washington, 288; City Hall, Philadelphia, 535; Cologne cathedral, 512; Eiffel tower, 984; Florence cathedral, 38... Hints On Bathing
There has been a great deal written about bathing. The surface of the skin is punctured with millions of little holes called pores. The duty of these pores is to carry the waste matter off. For instance, perspiration. Now, if these pores are stopped... Hints On Shaving
Learn to shave right. Don't shave in a hurry. Have the water hot enough so that it won't cool too quickly. Wash the face with soap and hot water before lathering, especially if the beard is hard. Have the lather very soapy--thin enough to ... How And When To Drink Water
According to Doctor Leuf, when water is taken into the full or partly full stomach, it does not mingle with the food, as we are taught, but passes along quickly between the food and lesser curvature toward the pylorus, through which it passes into t... How The Baby's Mind Develops
In his book on The Development of the Intellect, Mr. H. W. Brown presents a conspectus of the observations of Prof. Preyer on the mind of the child which shows chronologically the gradual development of the senses, intellect and will of the growing ... How The Presidents Died
George Washington's death was the result of a severe cold contracted while riding around his farm in a rain and sleet storm on Dec. 10, 1799. The cold increased and was followed by a chill, which brought on acute laryngitis. He died at the age of 68... How To Avoid Mistakes
Consider for a moment the vast aggregate of bank transactions, and you will see that perfect system on the part of the banks and bank officials is required to insure accuracy and avoid mistakes. Sometimes the requirements of the banks may seem arbit... How To Care For A Piano
By William H. Damon The most important thing in the preservation of a piano is to avoid atmospheric changes and extremes and sudden changes of temperature. Where the summer condition of the atmosphere is damp all precautions possible should be ta... How To Detect Counterfeit Money
In the space at disposal here, it is impossible of course to give a complete illustrated counterfeit detector, but the following simple rules, laid down by Bank Note Examiner Geo. R. Baker, will be found extremely valuable: Examine the form and f... How To Get Rid Of Rats
Get a piece of lead pipe and use it as a funnel to introduce about 1-1/2 ounces of sulphite of potassium into any outside holes tenanted by rats. Not to be used in dwellings. To get rid of mice use tartar emetic mingled with any favorite food; they ... How To Make Change Quickly
Always consider the amount of purchase as if that much money were already counted out, then add to amount of purchase enough small change to make an even dollar, counting out the even dollars last until full amount is made up. If the purchase amo... How To Make Out A Check
Checks are the most satisfactory and most convenient method of paying a debt or making any ordinary remittance. The stub of your check book will furnish a permanent memorandum, and when the check is canceled and returned to you by the bank, it is an... How To Obtain A Patent
Patents are issued in the name of the United States, and under the seal of the Patent Office. A patent is a grant by the Government to the inventor, his heirs or assigns, for a limited period, of the exclusive right to make, use or sell any new and ... How To Select Colors
The Natural Laws of Tints, Tones, Shades and Hues. Some combinations of color are pleasing to the eye, and some are discordant. The reasons for this are based on natural laws and are explained in a very simple manner in a learned article by Dr. W.... How To Serve Wine
A fine dinner may be spoiled by not serving the proper wine at the proper time and at the proper temperature. A white wine (Sauterne, Riesling, Moselle, etc.) should be used from the beginning of the meal to the time the roast or game comes on. Wi... Indorsing Checks Etc
When depositing checks, drafts, etc., see that they are dated properly and that the written amounts and figures correspond. The proper way to indorse a check or draft--this also applies to notes and other negotiable paper--is to write your name upon... Infant Feeding And Management
It is of prime importance in feeding an infant to do this at regular intervals, since during the first three months of its life the feeding habits of the child should be established, and if care be used in this regard the child will wake of its own ... Jefferson's Political Policy
1. Legal equality of all human beings. 2. The people the only source of power. 3. No hereditary offices, nor order of nobility, nor title. 4. No unnecessary taxation. 5. No national banks or bonds. 6. No costly splendor of administration... Keep Still
Keep still. When trouble is brewing, keep still. Even when slander is getting on its legs, keep still. When your feelings are hurt, keep still, till you recover from your excitement at any rate. Things look differently through an unagitated eye. A d... Language Of Precious Stones
The ancients attributed marvelous properties to many of the precious stones. We give in tabular form the different months and the stones sacred to them, as generally accepted, with their respective meanings. It has been customary among lovers and fr... Last Words Of Famous Men And Women
'Tis well.--George Washington. Tete d'armee.--Napoleon. I thank God that I have done my duty.--Admiral Nelson. I pray thee see me safe up, but for my coming down I can shift for myself, were the last words of Sir Thomas More when ascending t... Legal Holidays In Various States
Jan. 1, New Year's Day. All the States (including District of Columbia), except Mass., Miss. and N. H. Jan. 19, Lee's Birthday. In Ga., Fla., N. C, S. C., Va., Ala., Ark. Feb. 12, Lincoln's Birthday. In Col., Conn., Del., Ill., Kans., Mass., Mi... Letter Combinations
When King Stanislaus of Poland, then a young man, came back from a journey, the whole Lescinskian House gathered together at Lissa to receive him. The schoolmaster, Jablowsky, prepared a festival in commemoration of the event, and had it end with a ... Marriage And Divorce
Marriage may be entered into by any two persons, with the following exceptions: Idiots, lunatics, persons of unsound mind, persons related by blood or affinity within certain degrees prohibited by law, infants under the age of consent, which varies ... Maximum Age Of Trees
Palm, 250 years; elm, 355 years; cypress, 388 years; ivy, 448 years; maple, 516 years; larch, 576 years; lemon, 640 years; plane, 720 years; cedar, 800 years; chestnut, 860 years; walnut, 900 years; lime, 1,076 years; spruce, 1,200 years; ... Memory Rhymes
The Months. Thirty days hath September, April, June and November; All the rest have thirty-one, But February, which has twenty-eight alone. Except in leap-year; then's the time When February's days are twenty-nine. Birthdays.... Men And Complexions
Dr. Katherine Blackford, of Boston, speaking of men's complexions, arrives at the following conclusions. There are, of course, exceptions to all rules: As a general rule, the blonds are inconstant. They change their minds too often. They get angry o... Merchants' Cost And Price Marks
All merchants use private cipher marks to note cost or selling price of goods. The cipher is usually made up from some short word or sentence of nine or ten letters, as: C O R N E L I U S, A 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Five dollars,... Mistakes In Banking
Mr. Samuel Woods, a member of the American Institute of Bank Clerks, recently contributed to Munsey's Magazine an interesting article on the subject of Mistakes in Banking. From this we are permitted by the courtesy of the publishers of Munsey's to ... Modern Fables
Luxury. Of two cats, one, thinking to be very fine, hunted only humming birds, and the other hunted only mice. The first had to hunt much longer than the other, because humming birds were scarce, so that it spent nearly all its life in getting fo... Mottoes Of The States
Arkansas--Regnant populi: The peoples rule. California--Eureka: I have found it. Colorado--Nil sine numine: Nothing without the Divinity. Connecticut--Qui transtulit sustinet: He who has transferred, sustains. Delaware--Liberty and Independen... Mourning Colors The World Over
Black is by no means the only color used by man to express grief or mourning for the dead. In the South Sea Islands the natives express sorrow and hope by stripes of black and white. Grayish brown, the color of the earth to which the dead return, is... Mourning Customs
There has been of late years a healthy revolt against the excessive use of crepe or the wearing of mourning for an undue period. Mourning is first of all a protection, for in these busy days and in a large city a death affecting our acquaintances is... Number Of Miles By Water From New York
To Amsterdam, 3,510; Bermudas, 660; Bombay, 11,574; Boston, 310; Buenos Ayres, 7,110; Calcutta, 12,425; Canton, 13,900; Cape Horn, 8,115; Cape of Good Hope, 6,830; Charleston, 750; Columbia River, 15,965; Constantinople, 5,140; Dublin, 3,22... Opportunity
Master of human destinies am I. Fame, Love and Fortune on my footsteps wait. Cities and fields I walk; I penetrate Deserts and seas remote, and, passing by Hovel, and mart, and palace, soon or late I knock unbidden once at every gate! If sleeping... Opportunity
They do me wrong who say I come no more When once I've knocked and failed to find you in; For every day I stand outside your door, And bid you wake and ride, to fight and win. Wail not for precious chances passed away, Weep not for golden ... Paying Notes And Acceptances
Make your notes and accepted drafts payable at the bank where you do business. Whether it or other banks hold them for collection, they will be presented to your bank when due. Pay your notes, etc., on the day they fall due, and early in the day i... Philosophical Facts
The greatest height at which visible clouds ever exist does not exceed ten miles. Air is about eight hundred and fifteen times lighter than water. The pressure of the atmosphere upon every square foot of the earth amounts to two thousand one hu... Physical Exercise
The principal methods of developing the physique now prescribed by trainers are exercise with dumbbells, the bar bell and the chest weight. The rings and horizontal and parallel bars are also used, but not nearly to the extent that they formerly wer... Points Of Criminal Law
You cannot lawfully condone an offence by receiving back stolen property, The exemption of females from arrest applies only in civil, not in criminal matters. Every man is bound to obey the call of a sheriff for assistance in making an arrest.... Poisons And Their Antidotes
General Rules Always send immediately for a medical man. Save all fluids vomited, and articles of food, cups, glasses, etc., used by the patient before taken ill, and lock them up. As a rule give emetics after poisons that cause sleepiness and ... Poor Richard's Sayings
(Benjamin Franklin.) Drive thy business! Let not thy business drive thee! Diligence is the mother of good luck. Now I have a sheep and a cow, everybody bids me good morrow. If you would know the value of money, go and try to borrow some. G... Presidents Of The United States
Declaration of Independence July 4th, 1776 General Washington, first President. 1789 and 1793 John Adams 1797 Thomas Jefferson 1801 and 1805 James Madison 1809 and 1813 James Monroe 1817 and 1821 John Quincy Adams 1825 ... Principal American Cities
With Population of over 100,000 in 1910. (The population for 1900 is given in parentheses by way of comparison.) New York, N. Y., 4,766,883 (3,437,202); Chicago, Ill., 2,185,283 (l,698,572); Philadelphia, Pa., 1,549,008 (1,293,697); St. Louis,... Principal Points Of Constitutional Law
Congress must meet at least once a year. One State cannot undo the acts of another. Congress may admit as many new States as desired. The Constitution guarantees every citizen a speedy trial by jury. A State cannot exercise a power which is... Principles Of Parliamentary Law
List of Motions Arranged According to Their Purpose and Effect. [Letters refer to the rules below.] Modifying or amending. 8. To amend or to substitute, or to divide the question K To refer to committee. 7. To commit (or recommit) ... Proper Apparel For Men
American gentlemen are no longer dependent on English tailors or on English fashions as they were some years ago. The American type of physique is a distinct one, and London tailors have never been able to fit American men as well as they do their o... Punctuation
A period (.) after every declarative and every imperative sentence; as, It is true. Do right. A period is also used after every abbreviation; as, Dr., Mr., Capt. An interrogation point (?) after every question. The exclamation point (!) after... Queer Analogies In Nature
The cocoanut is, in many respects, like the human skull, although it closely resembles the skull of the monkey. A sponge may be so held as to remind one of the unfleshed face of the skeleton, and the meat of an English walnut is almost the exact rep... Recipes Trade Secrets Etc
Toothache Cure.--Compound tinct. benzoin is said to be one of the most certain and speedy cures for toothache; pour a few drops on cotton, and press at once into the diseased cavity, when the pain will almost instantly cease. Toothache Tincture.-... Relief For Asthma
An old friend of the editor of this book writes: I have been a sufferer from asthma for twenty-five years, and for more than a dozen years have used the following recipe with great benefit. It is not a cure, but in my case gives almost instant relie... Riddles Old And New
Feet have they, but they walk not--stoves. Eyes have they, but they see not--potatoes. Noses have they, but they smell not--tea-pots. Mouths have they, but they taste not--rivers. Hands have they, but they handle not--clocks. Ears have t... Rights Of Married Women
Any and all property which a woman owns at her marriage, together with rents, issues and profits thereof, and the property which comes to her by descent, devise, bequest, gift or grant, or which she acquires by her trade, business, labor, or service... Rules For Fat People And For Lean
To increase the weight: Eat to the extent of satisfying; a natural appetite, of fat meats, butter, cream, milk, cocoa, chocolate, bread, potatoes, peas, parsnips, carrots, beets, farinaceous foods, as Indian corn, rice, tapioca, sago, corn starch, p... Salt-rising Bread
The real formula for making salt-rising bread, as set down by the daughter of Governor Stubbs, of Kansas, and by him communicated to Theodore Roosevelt, is as follows, according to the Saturday Evening Post: On the night before you contemplate th... Senator Vest's Eulogy On The Dog
Gentlemen of the Jury: The best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son and daughter that he has reared with loving care may become ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust wi... Shakespeare's Counsel
(Polonius' Advice to His Son Laertes.) And these few precepts in thy memory See thou character: Give thy thoughts no tongue. Nor any unproportion'd thought his act. Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar. Those friends thou hast, and their ado... Short Interest Rules
To find the interest on a given sum for any number of days, at any rate of interest, multiply the principal by the number of days and divide as follows: At 3 per cent, by 120 At 9 per cent, by 40 At 4 per cent, by 90 At 10 per cent, ... Short Rules For Spelling
Words ending in e drop that letter on taking a suffix beginning with a vowel. Exceptions--words ending in ge, ce, or oe. Final e of a primitive word is retained on taking a suffix beginning with a consonant. Exceptions--words ending in dge, and tr... Some Of Nature's Wonders
The human body has 240 bones. Man's heart beats 92,160 times in a day. A salmon has been known to produce 10,000,000 eggs. Some female spiders produce 2,000 eggs. A queen bee produces 100,000 eggs in a season. There are 9,000 cells in a squa... State Flowers
The following list includes all the State flowers Commonly accepted or officially adopted: Alabama, goldenrod; Arizona, sequoia cactus; Arkansas, apple blossom; California, poppy; Colorado, columbine; Delaware, peach blossom; Georgia, Cheroke... Tea And Coffee
Tea is a nerve stimulant, pure and simple, acting like alcohol in this respect, without any value that the latter may possess as a retarder of waste. It has a special influence upon those nerve centers that supply will power, exalting their sensibil... The Art Of Not Forgetting
A Brief but Comprehensive Treatise Based on Loisette's Famous System of Memory Culture. So much has been said about Loisette's memory system, the art has been so widely advertised, and so carefully guarded from all the profane who do not send fiv... The Care Of The Teeth
Decay of the teeth, or caries, commences externally, appearing upon the enamel or bony structure of the teeth. Usually it is the result of chemical action produced by decomposition of food. Acids found in some fruits will cause decay if allowed to r...