Project Gutenberg's Our Little Japanese Cousin, by Mary Hazelton Wade
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Title: Our Little Japanese Cousin
Author: Mary Hazelton Wade
Illustrator: L. J. Bridgman
Release Date: September 28, 2013 [EBook #43833]
Language: English
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Our Little Japanese Cousin
The Little Cousin Series
[Illustration]
Our Little Japanese Cousin
BY MARY HAZELTON WADE
Our Little Indian Cousin
BY MARY HAZELTON WADE
Our Little Brown Cousin
BY MARY HAZELTON WADE
Our Little Russian Cousin
BY MARY HAZELTON WADE
[Illustration]
L. C. PAGE & COMPANY,
Publishers
200 Summer Street, Boston, Mass.
[Illustration: LOTUS BLOSSOM.]
Our Little Japanese Cousin
By
Mary Hazelton Wade
_Illustrated by_
L. J. Bridgman
[Illustration]
Boston
L. C. Page & Company
_MDCCCCI_
_Copyright 1901_
BY L. C. PAGE & COMPANY
(INCORPORATED)
_All rights reserved_
Colonial Press:
Electrotyped and Printed by C. H. Simonds & Co.
Boston, Mass., U. S. A.
List of Illustrations
PAGE
LOTUS BLOSSOM _Frontispiece_
"SHE IS SOON SOUND ASLEEP" 18
TOYO FEEDING THE PIGEONS 26
THE CANDY MAN 33
AUNT OCHO'S GARDEN 37
A LESSON IN ARRANGING FLOWERS 50
Our Little Japanese Cousin
LOTUS BLOSSOM is the dearest little girl in the world. I beg your
pardon--I mean in the Eastern world, for she lives far away across the
Pacific, on one of the beautiful islands of Japan.
Lotus Blossom is very pretty. She has a round face, with a clear,
yellow skin, and her teeth are like little pearls. Her black hair is
cut square across the forehead and braided behind. It is never done
up in curl-papers or twisted over a hot iron; the little girl's mamma
would think that very untidy.
Lotus Blossom does not smile very often, yet she is always happy. She
does not remember crying once in her life. Why should she cry? Papa
and mamma are always kind and ready to play with her. She is never
sent to bed alone in the dark, for she goes to sleep, and gets up in
the morning when her parents do. She does not play so hard as to get
tired out and cross with everybody. She takes everything quietly, just
as the big folks do, and is never in a hurry. Her playmates do not say
unkind words to make her sad, for the children of Japan are taught to
be polite above everything else. Why, I have heard that once upon a
time one little yellow boy so far forgot himself as to call a lady bad
names. His parents were terribly shocked. They felt that they had been
disgraced, and at once sent for a policeman to go to the lady's house
and ask for their child's pardon. As for him! well, he was severely
punished in a way you will hear about later on in my story.
[Illustration: TOYO FEEDING THE PIGEONS.]
Besides all these things which help to make Lotus Blossom happy, she
is dressed comfortably. Tight, stiff shoes could never be thought of
for a minute. She wears white stockings made of cloth, with a separate
place in each one for the big toe. In fact, they resemble long mittens.
That is all Lotus Blossom wears on her feet in the house; but when she
goes out-doors she has pretty sandals, if the walking is good. These
sandals have straps, which are fastened on the foot between the big
toe and around the ankle. If the ground is muddy or covered with snow,
Lotus Blossom puts on her clogs. They are queer things, raised high
on strips of wood. Of course one can't walk very fast on such clumsy
affairs, but the Japanese dislike getting their feet wet as much as
kittens do, and would wear anything to prevent such a mishap. But if
Lotus Blossom stops at a house or store while she is out walking, she
is polite enough to take off her clogs or sandals before going inside.
That is one reason why every building can be kept so clean.
The little Japanese girl's clothes are pretty as well as comfortable.
It is not possible for pins to prick her tender flesh, because they
are never used about her dress. In summer she wears a silk or linen
garment made very much like your papa's dressing-gown, except that it
has immense sleeves. Beautiful scarlet flowers are embroidered all over
it, and a wide sash is wound around her waist and tied in a big, flat
bow behind. She is very fond of red, so she has a bow of red crape in
her hair, and a small red bag is fastened to her belt in front. What do
you suppose she carries in the bag? Paper handkerchiefs! Not linen ones
like yours, which are washed when they get soiled, but rather of soft,
pretty paper. As soon as each one is used it is thrown away. Don't you
think that is a very nice and cleanly custom? Indeed, there are many
things about the Japanese which we might copy with profit, for they
are the cleanest people in the world. Perhaps another reason why our
little cousin is so happy is because she is always clean.
Lotus Blossom carries another bag at her belt, filled with amulets.
These are charms to keep away any evil spirits that might do her harm.
In the bag with the charms, there is a brass plate, which tells her
name and where she lives. So if she should get lost, her mother need
not worry, for she will be brought safely home without loss of time.
But what can be the use of such big sleeves? When her mamma cut them,
she made them long enough to nearly reach the floor. Then they were
doubled up inside and fastened in front so that they could serve as
pockets. How you would laugh to see Lotus Blossom and her brother tuck
away their playthings in their big sleeves when their mother calls them
away to do something for her! It is enough to make an American boy's
heart fill with envy. He may boast of six pockets, but what of that?
They could all be filled and stowed away in one of Lotus Blossom's
sleeves, and room would be still left.
The little girl's life is like a long playtime. In the first place, she
lives in a sort of play-house. There is nothing to get out of order;
no chairs in the way, no table-scarfs to pull down, no ink-wells to
tip over. There is only one big room in the house, but there are many
beautiful paper screens, so her mamma can divide the house just as she
pleases by moving the screens about. If company should arrive suddenly,
there need be no question whether there is a guest-room or not. One
can be made with screens in a moment. Even the front of the house is
made of screens, which can be closed at night, and folded away in the
morning to open up the whole house to the fresh air and sunshine.
There are no carpets on the floors, but instead of these there are
pretty mats made of rushes. They are exactly alike in size, and are
shaken every morning. There are no chairs, for Lotus Blossom's family
sit on the mats or on cushions on the floor. They cannot lean against
the walls either, for remember, there are no walls! And if they should
lean against the screens they would tumble over.
The only tables are six inches high. They are pretty and delicate, and
are highly lacquered. When Lotus Blossom has nothing else to do, she
likes to look at the pictures on these little stands. But where are the
stoves? How do the people keep warm in the cold winter days? And where
is all the cooking done? In the picture do you see a little box with
smoke rising from it? It is lined with metal, and charcoal is burned
in it. All the food is prepared over these little fire-boxes. If any
one is cold, he has only to get a fire-box, light some charcoal, and
sit down beside it. And when Lotus Blossom goes to breakfast, she has a
fire-box beside the lacquered table, so that water for her tea can be
kept hot.
Tea! you say. That little girl, nine years old, drinking tea? Yes, we
have to admit that the Japanese child drinks tea at a very early age;
and with no milk or sugar, either. But then the cups are so tiny they
do not hold much. They are no bigger than those in a doll's china set.
How quickly the little tea-table is set at meal times. Each member of
the family has one all to himself. There is no table-cloth, no knife,
or fork, or spoon; instead of these one sees a pair of chop-sticks,
a small cup and saucer, and a plate from which he eats the steaming
rice and the minced fish. But suppose that the tea or rice should be
spilled on the beautiful table? Please don't imagine such a thing.
Japanese children are too carefully trained by their kind mammas to be
so careless. They handle their chop-sticks so daintily that no grain of
rice nor bit of fish falls as they lift the food to their pretty mouths.
Where does our little Japanese cousin sleep in this funny house?
There are no bedsteads, or mattresses, or blankets, or sheets. When
bedtime comes, her papa and mamma move the screens around so as to shut
themselves off from the rest of the house. Then they go to a cupboard
and take down some wadded quilts and queer wooden blocks, whose tops
are slightly curved. A quilt is spread on the floor, and a wooden block
serves as a pillow. Some paper is laid on it so that it may be kept
clean. And now, you think, Lotus Blossom may get into her bed after she
has undressed and put on her night-dress. Not so, however. She must
bathe in a tub of such hot water that it would turn your body very
red, if you were only to hop in and out again. The whole family bathe
in the same tub of water, one after the other, and it is kept hot by a
tube which runs to a fire-box. The little girl puts on her day-dress
after her bath is finished, and, lying down on the quilt, she rests her
head on the hard pillow. Mamma covers her with another quilt, and she
is soon sound asleep.
[Illustration: "SHE IS SOON SOUND ASLEEP."]
When Lotus Blossom was two years old her brother Toyo was born. How the
family rejoiced at having a little son! When he was only seven days
old a very important ceremony was performed. He had to receive a name.
His papa, who believes in the religion of Shintoism, fully wrote out
five of his favourite names on pieces of paper. Then he took his baby
in his arms, and, carrying the papers, he went to the temple where he
worshipped. The papers were handed to the priest, who placed them in a
bowl. After some ceremony, the priest began to fish in the bowl with
a sacred wand. The first paper he lifted out bore the name of Toyo.
This was the way that Lotus Blossom's little brother received his name.
When he was about four weeks old he was again carried to the temple by
his father and nurse. The Japanese believe in one great power, or god,
but under him there are many others; as, a god of flowers, a god of
art, and so forth. This time he was put under the care of his special
god, who was then expected to protect him for the rest of his life.
All this time Toyo's head was kept perfectly smooth. In fact, his first
visit to the barber was very important, for all his hair was shaved off
then except a little fringe at the back and sides. When he was four
months old another important ceremony was held. Toyo left off baby
clothes and was given his first solid food. That was rice, of course,
which he would continue to eat at every meal for the rest of his life.
Toyo and Lotus Blossom are always happy together. His sister was the
first one to help Toyo squat on his little heels. Japanese babies never
creep. The little brother had no baby-carriage or cradle, but he never
missed them. He was always such a happy little fellow; never perched up
in a high-chair with his body fastened in by a wooden tray, but always
moving around, sometimes on the floor, sometimes fastened on mamma's or
nurse's back, again on the older children's backs, when Lotus Blossom
was out playing in the garden with them. When he got tired he would
simply go to sleep, while the children would keep on with their play.
But when he woke up, he would look about with a dear little smile, as
much as to say: "I'm all right, thank you, don't fret about me."
It was a most important time when he cut the first tooth, and not only
that, but the second and the third,--in fact, every tooth in turn had
its arrival celebrated. A poem about each one was written by his loving
papa, and a little festival was held in the home. Such happy, childlike
people are the Japanese! They are ready to enjoy everything. Even the
funerals are cheerful, and have nothing sad and dreary about them. Why
should they, when the people believe that they always will live, and
that they will come back to earth again to enjoy the beautiful fields
and flowers and sunshine in new bodies?
Almost the first words that Toyo learned to speak were, "Thank you,"
and "If you please." Don't think for a moment that he ever did such a
rude thing in his life as to answer "no" or "yes" without some very
polite expression with it. For instance, if his mamma asked him a
question, he would answer with his baby lips, "No, thank you, most
admirable mother," or, "If you please, my adorable, honoured parent,"
at the same time bowing his little body over till his head reached the
ground. Why! he and Lotus Blossom are taught to speak respectfully even
of the potatoes or the dishes or the table. For example, they say, "the
highly respected cup," etc. Isn't it funny? But, after all, isn't it
nice, too, to act kindly toward every one and everything in the world?
If her little brother should step on Lotus Blossom's doll and break
its arm, what would she do? Give him a slap and say, "Oh, you bad,
bad boy?" By no means. A slap is unknown in her land. The little
woman would not even let herself look cross or unhappy, while Toyo
would spend five minutes in telling her how unutterably sad and
broken-hearted he was made by his cruel, ungentlemanly carelessness.
And then, to make them forget all about it, mamma would bring a new
doll from the cupboard.
But perhaps Lotus Blossom is tired of playthings, so she and Toyo run
out in the garden to have a frolic with their pets. They have new ones
nearly every day, for they are fond of every creature that is alive.
To-day they are going to hunt for some big beetles, as Toyo has planned
a little carriage which he will make out of paper, with pasteboard
wheels and reins of silk thread for the paper doll. The beetles will be
harnessed, and the children will train them to draw the carriage. Jolly
fun! The whole afternoon is spent in finding some black beauties and
playing with them.
Another day the children will catch some grasshoppers and tame them.
Toyo will make a pretty paper cage to hold them, while both he and
Lotus Blossom will be very careful to feed them regularly on the
dainties they like best. When night comes the turtles must be looked
after and fed, for Toyo has some beauties. He likes to fasten a string
through the shell and take them walking, just as his American cousins
do, but he would not willingly torture them.
Lotus Blossom has a globe full of gold-fish different from any you
have ever seen. Their tails are fan-shaped, and are as long as their
bodies. During the long summer days the globe of fish is set out on the
broad balcony, and many children stop to watch them as they pass. Toyo
loves his little dog more than all his other pets. He is the dearest
little fellow, and wishes to follow his young master wherever he goes.
He looks somewhat like a spaniel, except that he is white. His nose is
turned up at the end, so that he looks all the time as if he would say,
"Humph! I am very wise. You poor people don't know much." And he looks
all this in such a way as to make you wish to laugh. Toyo's mamma has
made a big scarlet ruff for the dog's neck, and it makes him feel very
fine, I dare say. His master has fastened a wooden label on his collar
to tell where he belongs.
I know you will be disappointed when you learn that Lotus Blossom's
dear little kitten cannot play with her tail. No fun for her, poor
kitty, you are thinking. But why is it? Because she _has_ no tail,
or at least only the stub of one. So of course she is quite calm and
solemn--that is, for a kitten. But then she lives in Japan, and so she
ought to be more dignified than kittens of other lands. Don't you think
so?
We must leave all these pets now and go to church, or rather to the
temple, with Toyo, Lotus Blossom, and their parents. There is no set
day for worship, for there is no such thing as Sunday in Japan. The
temples are always open, and the children are fond of going to them to
offer prayers, and also to have a good time. As they near the temple
they see stands of sweetmeats and good things of all kinds. The way is
lined on both sides with these stands. Great numbers of people, rich
and poor, high and low, are coming and going. Pigeons are flying in and
out of the sacred building, and no one harms them. Toyo stops and buys
a yen's worth of corn and scatters it for the birds to eat. They flock
around him without fear. They are so tame that the children could catch
them with no difficulty. But Lotus Blossom and Toyo pass on to the
entrance, and, bowing low, take off their clogs.
The inside of the building is almost bare. There are no statues of
gods or goddesses, no ornaments,--nothing except an altar with some
queer sticks standing upon it. Festoons of white paper hang from these
wands, or "gohei," as the Japanese call them. A priest stands behind
the altar, and a large cloth is spread out on the floor in front of it.
Lotus Blossom and Toyo clap their hands. This is to call the attention
of the gods. Then they say a little prayer and throw some money upon
the cloth. If they are very good and devout children, perhaps the gods
will descend into the temple. The queer papers on the wands are to be
the clothing of these great beings. No images are needed, you see,
only plenty of paper. Rather hard to understand this, and yet all that
is necessary for Toyo and Lotus Blossom is to worship their ancestors
properly, and believe that the great spirits are working everywhere in
nature. This is the reason they are taught to obey their parents at
all times, and never to harm anything living. The children are also
taught to believe that the Mikado, the Emperor of Japan, is descended
from god-kings who once ruled over the country. This is why such great
honour is paid him wherever he goes. Until a few years ago the people
thought him so sacred that they ought not to look at him, so he was
obliged to stay inside his beautiful palace like a prisoner. But times
have changed, and his subjects have a little more common sense nowadays.
After our little cousins have said their prayers and given their money,
they go to a dance-hall in another part of the temple. You know by this
time that the Japanese like to enjoy themselves. But isn't it a strange
idea to have dancing, praying, and feasting in the same place? The
dancers are dressed like butterflies. They have beautiful red and gold
wings. They are very graceful, but the music is unpleasant to us. Toyo
thinks it is fine, and wishes he could play as well.
Now for a good dinner in the restaurant in the next hall, for the boy's
father has promised to treat his family to all the dainties of the
season,--candied lotus-leaves, and everything they like best. It is a
happy day, and the children wish they could go to the temple oftener.
One morning not long after this, poor little Lotus Blossom woke up
with a bad pain in her stomach. Her face and hands were hot. She was
not able to get up and go to school. Mamma felt very sad, and at once
sent to ask the priest for something to make her little daughter
well. You say at once, "Is the priest in Japan a doctor? And will he
prepare medicine marked in some such way as this: 'One teaspoonful to
be taken each hour?'" No, indeed. Lotus Blossom's mamma received from
her queer physician two "moxas," with orders that one of them should be
placed on the back of the sick child, and the other on her foot. The
direction of the priest was followed, although it made Lotus Blossom
very unhappy. I think you would not like it, if you were in her place,
for a moxa makes a burn far worse than a mustard plaster does. You know
the punk that you use on the Fourth of July to light your firecrackers
and fireworks? The moxas are made of a certain kind of pith, and burn
slowly just as the punk does. The Japanese believe in the use of moxas
for many things,--bad children, sickness, and I can't tell you what
else. The impolite boy I told you about, at the beginning of the story,
was burned with a moxa, in such a way that he never forgot himself
again. As for fevers, why, the moxa is certain to drive away the bad
spirits that cause them.
No doubt you wonder at it, as I do myself, but Lotus Blossom got well
enough in two or three days to sit up and be dressed. But she did not
care for her dolls or games; she felt tired all the time. Her loving
and most honoured father said a change of air would do her good. It
would be well for her to spend some days at the house of an aunt who
lived several miles out in the country. Toyo was allowed to go, too.
How were they to get there? In steam or electric cars? What can you
be thinking of to ask such questions? Two jinrikishas were brought to
the door; one was for Lotus Blossom and one for her brother. Strong
men were hired to draw them. I wonder if you ever saw anything like a
jin-riki-sha, or man-power-carriage, for that is what the word means.
They are very comfortable, much like baby-carriages, and are lined with
soft cushions. The men look strong and kind. They are nearly naked, so
that they can run easily and rapidly.
It will take only an hour to carry the children to their aunt's, if
they do not stop on the way. But there are so many things to see to-day
that Lotus Blossom forgets all about her sickness and burns, and wants
her runners to stop every few minutes to rest. The children spend at
least five minutes bidding their mother a proper good-bye. Then, at the
word, off they go, down "Dog" Street into "Turtle" Street. There are no
sidewalks, but they are not needed, for horses and wagons are rarely
seen.
[Illustration: THE CANDY MAN.]
But look! Here is a man standing in the middle of the street, dancing
and singing a funny song. The sober Japanese who are passing stop and
laugh. The man has a little stand by his side, and on this stand are a
dish of wheat-gluten and a bamboo reed. As Lotus Blossom and Toyo draw
near, the man ends his song and calls out, "Now who wants me to blow
him a candy dog? Or shall it be a monkey eating a nut? You, my most
honoured little lady, want one surely."
This he said to Lotus Blossom, who was sitting up straight in the
jinrikisha, full of interest. She thought a moment or two, and then
asked for a stork with wings spread out to fly. She had hardly stopped
speaking before the man seized a bamboo reed, dipped it in the sticky
paste, and blowing now this way, now that, fashioned the graceful bird.
Pinching it here and there to make it more perfect, he put on some
touches of colour from a box of paints. It was wonderfully done. Lotus
Blossom gave him five yen for the candy toy, the runners took hold of
the jinrikisha, and away the children went on their journey.
They came soon to another crowd of boys and girls gathered about a
batter-cake man. He had a little stand on which a pan of charcoal was
burning. A large griddle rested over the coal, and a tiny little urchin
was standing on his tiptoes and baking cakes. The man cut them out
for him in pretty shapes. See the pleasure on the youngster's face!
All this fun for ten yen, or one cent. The other children watch him
in envy. As Toyo and Lotus Blossom draw near, the jinrikisha men make
a place for them in the crowd, and Toyo jumps out to get a lunch. He
has the next turn, and so he asks the pleasant-faced man to cut his
batter-cakes in the shape of turtles. Lotus Blossom does not wish
any, but lies back in her easy carriage under her pretty sunshade,
and watches Toyo cook and eat them. Umbrellas and sunshades are of
the same material in Japan. They are made of several layers of tough,
strong paper, and will last a long time. When they are worn out, they
are thrown away just as the paper handkerchiefs are, and new ones are
bought for a very small sum of money. In stormy weather Lotus Blossom
and Toyo not only carry umbrellas, but wear long capes of oiled paper
to keep off the rain, while very poor people have coats made of
grasses. Funny looking things these are! If you should see a man with
one of them over his shoulders, and a queer mushroom-shaped hat on his
head, you would feel like laughing, I know,--that is, if you had not
already acquired some of the politeness of the Japanese themselves.
But let us return to Turtle Street and find out what is now attracting
the attentions of our little cousins. Would you believe it? They can't
be in very much of a hurry to get to aunty's, for they have stopped
again. You would also stop if you saw what they do. A travelling street
show is entertaining numbers of men, women, and children. Babies are on
the backs of some of them, laughing and crowing, too. See that clever
fellow in the middle. He is making butterflies of coloured paper and
blowing them up into the air. He keeps them flying about, now in one
direction, now in another, by waving his fan. It seems as though they
must be alive, he does this so cleverly. That yellow butterfly is made
to alight on a baby's hand. Hear the little fellow crow with delight.
Another flies over Lotus Blossom's jinrikisha, and then, by the
dexterous waving of the showman's fan, goes off in another direction
before she can catch it.
[Illustration: AUNT OCHO'S GARDEN.]
After the butterfly show another man performs some wonderful tricks
with a ladder. He places the ladder upright on the ground without
any support; he climbs it, rung by rung, keeping its balance all the
time. Finally he reaches the very top and stands on one foot, bowing
and gracefully waving a fan. There is not time to tell you all the
wonderful feats of the Japanese. Toyo and Lotus Blossom are delighted,
although they have seen performances like these many times before.
But they must really hasten on their journey, for aunty will be
expecting them, and it will soon be sunset. In a few moments they leave
the city behind and are out in the beautiful country. They pass tea
plantations. The glossy green leaves are almost ready to pick. See the
man in that field, running wildly about, making hideous noises. Is he
crazy? Our little cousins do not seem disturbed as they pass by, for he
is only a hired scarecrow. You remember that the people in Japan think
it wrong to kill any living thing. But there are great numbers of birds
in the country which are likely to eat the crops and do much damage.
So men are hired to act as scarecrows and make noises to frighten the
birds away.
At last Uncle Oto's rice plantation is reached. The children draw up in
front of a large, low house with wide verandas. It is more beautiful
than their own home. The roof is magnificent with carvings, and must
have cost a great deal of money. It is the pride of Aunt Ocho. The
gardens contain the choicest plants and trees, besides a pond and an
artificial waterfall. Lotus Blossom and Toyo are sure of a good time
and much fun. They will have a great deal to tell their mamma when they
return to their home.
* * * * *
Time passes by. The children have been back in their own home a long
time. They are now looking forward to New Year's day. Everything is
excitement about the house. Mamma has hired an extra servant to help
clean the house from right to left; not from top to bottom, as we say,
for there are no stairways or rooms overhead. Everything is on one
floor, remember. The screens are carefully wiped, the mats receive an
extra shaking, and then mamma brings out her choicest vase from the
storehouse and places it on a beautiful, ebony stand in the place of
honour. The Japanese are not at all like us. They are so simple in
their tastes, and love beautiful things so much, that they have only
one or two pieces, at the most, on view at a time. They think they can
enjoy them more fully in this way.
The most honoured father orders some workmen to come and set up some
tall pine branches in front of the gateway. One is of black, the other
of red pine, and tall bamboo reeds are placed beside them. A grass rope
is stretched from one reed to the other, and some funny strips of white
paper are hung on it. You saw many of these papers at the temple where
the children worship. This work is very important to the childlike
people. They think that the rope, with papers fastened to it, will keep
away all the evil spirits that are ever ready to spoil the happiness of
human beings. They are demons, who take the shape of foxes, badgers,
and wolves, and are frightful enough to the imagination of Lotus
Blossom and her brother. Of course, the children are glad that the evil
spirits are to be surely kept away.
Other things are hung on the rope for good luck. There is a piece of
charcoal and some seaweed, and a "lucky bag" filled with chestnuts, a
bit of herring and some dried fruit. All these things will make the
gods understand they are not forgotten.
The day before New Year's some men come to the house with an oven
and proceed to make the grand New Year's cake. It must not be eaten,
however, until the 11th of January. The children stand around and watch
the men pound the sticky rice-paste with a heavy mallet. At last it
is smooth enough, and then it is cut into rounds and built up into a
pyramid. I hear you say, "Well, I'd rather have my mother's plum-cake,
any time." But not so with Lotus Blossom and Toyo. They watch their
mother anxiously as she places it with great care on a lacquered stand,
to remain until the time comes to eat it.
Now they are allowed to put on their clogs and go to buy the "harvest
ship," which they will hang up in the house instead of the holly and
evergreens you like to see at Christmas time. The Japanese believe that
on New Year's eve a wonderful ship comes sailing into port. Of course,
it is sent by the gods. No one has ever really seen it. That does not
matter; there are pictures of it, nevertheless, and no New Year's
decorations are complete without a miniature harvest ship. The shops
are as full of them as our markets are of evergreen trees at Christmas
time. They are made of grasses and trimmed with gaily coloured papers.
The selection of this ship is a very exciting event, not only for
Lotus Blossom and Toyo, but also for their mother. How anxiously they
look at one after another as the shopkeeper shows them. Finally one is
chosen that suits the children's mother as to price and beauty. But the
shopping is by no means ended, for presents must be bought for friends
and playmates.
And now, children of America, please don't get envious of all the
pretty things which your cousins can buy for a few pennies. Lotus
Blossom and Toyo have been saving money for a long time. Each has a
number of square copper coins strung on a string. They are not like our
pennies, for they are larger and thinner, and each one has a square
hole in the centre. Ten of these are equal in value to one of our
cents, and there are many pretty things that Japanese children can buy
for a yen, as this piece of money is called. Such pretty picture-books
made of the lovely Japanese paper! Dolls that are dressed in the same
fashion as the two children, only the dresses are of paper; pictures of
the Japanese gods and goddesses; games and tops and candies. At length
the shopping is over and the last yen has been spent. The family are
glad to go home and take a hot bath and nap, for they are very tired.
On New Year's morning Lotus Blossom and her brother receive their own
presents, and although they do not shout and jump up and down as you do
when you are very happy, they are much pleased. Toyo has a drum, some
lovely books and a new game of battledore and shuttlecock, which is
the game of all games to be played at New Year's. The shuttlecock is
a large gilded seed with feathers stuck all around it; the battledore
is a bat, flat on one side to strike with, while the other side has a
raised figure of a beautiful dancing-girl. Lotus Blossom has, among
other things, a doll which her mother has dressed in flowered silk,
and a set of lacquered drawers in which to keep her ornaments. But
the greatest surprise to the children is a white rabbit. These little
creatures are the dearest of all pets in Japan, because they are so
rare. It cost the loving father several dollars, but he is more than
repaid by his children's delight.
Lotus Blossom's mamma has spent many weeks in embroidering gowns for
each member of the family. They are of silk, and are worn for the first
time on New Year's day. This good mamma has had her hair arranged
for the grand occasion with the greatest of care. You would hardly
believe it, but the hair-dresser spent hours upon it, rolling it up
in wonderful shapes, sticking it in place with a kind of paste, and
fastening many ornaments in it. It was done two days ago, and you may
be sure that the Japanese lady placed her head very carefully on the
pillow every night so that nothing should disarrange it. She has had
her teeth blackened afresh for the greatest holiday of the year, while
both she and her little daughter paint their necks and faces white and
their cheeks red before their toilets are finished.
I believe I have not yet told you that the pretty Japanese women spoil
their good looks as soon as they are married by colouring their teeth
black! Isn't it a shame? I'm glad we don't have this custom in our
country, aren't you?
And now the New Year's calls begin. What a bowing and bending!
Men, women, and children are all calling and lavishing many-worded
compliments on each other. Refreshments are passed, and then there is
a "show" to amuse everybody. Some men have been hired to come to the
house. They dance and sing many songs. After this comes the funny part
of the entertainment. One man puts on a mask and makes believe he is an
animal. He rolls around on the floor at the ladies' feet, makes queer
noises, and everybody laughs and is delighted. The big folks like it
as much as the children. Perhaps the funny man will now put on two
masks and represent different things at the same time,--on one side
he will look like a dancing-girl, while on the other he will appear as
some strange beast. He will change about rapidly, and keep the company
watching him with excited interest.
Night comes to very tired and happy people, but it does not end the
fun by any means. Lotus Blossom's papa will not do any business for a
week at least, and there will be new pleasures each day that he is at
home with his wife and children. After the festival is over, the family
settle down to their daily work until the coming of another holiday.
The children go to school again, but that does not trouble them. They
love their teacher and try to please him. The school is closed at noon.
Lotus Blossom and Toyo start out every morning with little satchels
over their backs. In these they carry their books, a cake of India ink,
and a paint-brush. When they arrive at their schoolroom, they are met
by a quiet, kindly man with big glasses over his eyes. The children
instantly bow down to the ground before him, for he is their teacher.
Of course the low bow is to show great respect. Japanese children are
taught to treat their instructors, as well as their parents, with
honour and regard.
And now they enter the schoolroom. But what a schoolroom! No desks,
no platform, no seats! The teacher sits down upon a mat with a small
lacquered stand beside him. The children squat on the floor around him
and begin to study. What queer letters in the books! You would not be
able to read one word. Lotus Blossom and Toyo have already learned
their alphabets. You smile, perhaps, and think, "H'm! that isn't
much." Well, just wait till I tell you there are forty-seven different
characters in one alphabet, while in another there are several times as
many. The easy alphabet is the only one that girls must know, while
boys learn both. But Lotus Blossom is a very bright child, so she
studies the more difficult characters as well.
Japanese books are printed very differently from ours. The lines run
up and down the page, and keep the eyes of the reader busily moving.
The children don't have many examples to perform, for the Japanese
do not consider arithmetic so important as Americans do. Do you sigh
now, and wish you could get your education in that far-away land where
long division is not a daily trial? But wait till I tell you about the
writing, or rather painting, lessons. You will certainly be envious.
When the schoolmaster gives the signal, the children take the brushes
and the cakes of India ink from their satchels. They mix a little of
the ink with water, and then are ready to paint their words on the
beautiful paper made in their country. Many people think that the
Japanese are such fine artists because their hands are trained to use
the brush from the time they are babies.
It would make you laugh if I should tell you how the teacher directs
the children to write letters to their friends. They must begin by
writing something very poetical about the weather. They must then
compose some very flowery compliments to the friend who is addressed;
a sheet or two, at least, must be used in this way before they are
allowed to tell the news, etc. But throughout the letter, as in fact
in all conversations, Lotus Blossom and Toyo are taught to speak of
themselves as very mean and humble creatures.
Their kind school-teacher ends the morning lessons with proverbs. You
know what these are, of course, but the ones which our Japanese cousins
learn are especially about duty to their parents, and kindness to all
living creatures. It would be a great sin for Toyo to tease the cat or
kill a fly. His parents would be shocked beyond expression.
[Illustration: A LESSON IN ARRANGING FLOWERS.]
"How about punishment in the Japanese school?" I hear a little boy ask.
My dear child, it is hardly ever needed, but when it does come, it is
not being kept after school; it is not a whipping. The child is burned!
The teacher takes a moxa, which I told you is a kind of pith, and
sticks it on the naughty child's hand. He then sets the moxa on fire to
burn slowly. It is a long, sad punishment for any one who is so bad as
to deserve it. It does not need to be given every day. Lotus Blossom
and Toyo, as well as their little schoolmates, are very attentive to
their work, and try their hardest to please the teacher.
When school is done, what will the children do throughout the long
afternoon? Lotus Blossom must work a certain time in embroidery, and
take a short lesson with her mamma in arranging flowers. Why, there
are whole books on this subject in Japan. The people are very fond of
flowers, and study how to arrange them in the most graceful manner.
They would never think of bunching many together without their leaves
in an ugly bouquet, nor would they dream of cruelly twisting wires
around their poor little stems. In Japan it is thought an art to know
how to place one spray in a vase in such a way as to show all its
beauty.
While his sister is doing her work, Toyo is practising on his koto.
This is a musical instrument of which the Japanese are very fond. It
looks much like a harp. Toyo strikes the strings with pieces of ivory
fastened on his finger-tips. Listen! Do you call those sounds music?
It is enough to set one's teeth on edge. Yet Toyo's music-teacher says
that he is doing finely and shows great talent. If that is so, I fear
we would not care to go to many concerts in Japan, for the Japanese
idea of music is very different from ours.
Hurrah! The children are now ready for play, and there are so many nice
things to do. If it is winter and there is snow on the ground, Lotus
Blossom and Toyo gather together with their little friends to make a
snow man. Not an Irish gentleman with a pipe in his mouth, such as you
like to build, but a figure of Daruma, who was a disciple of Buddha. It
is easy to make this, for it is believed that Daruma lost his legs from
sitting too long in one position. So the snow man has no legs. When it
is made, the children knock it down with snow-balls, just as you do.
Spring comes, and with it, tops, and kites, and stilts. The stilts are
very high, and Toyo puts his toes through parts of the wooden lifts.
He and the other boys run races and even play games on stilts, and
think it great fun. But the kites! Yours are just babies beside them.
Some of them are so large that it takes two men to sail them. In fact,
grown-up people, in Japan, seem as fond of kite-flying as the children.
Many of these toys have neither tails nor bobs. You wonder how they
manage to get up in the air at all, till you see that the strings are
pulled in such a way as to raise them. They are of all shapes. The boys
sometimes play a game with their kites. They dip the strings in glue
and afterward in powdered glass; then they run with the kites and try
to cross each other's strings and cut them. The boy who succeeds wins
the other's kite. Toyo lost his the other day, and what do you think he
did? Pout, or exclaim, as you sometimes do, "I don't care, that isn't
fair?" By no means! He made three beautiful bows and gave up his kite
with a polite smile. Maybe he did not feel any happier about it than
you would, for it was a fine new one, but he wouldn't show his grief,
at any rate.
Toyo sometimes wrestles with the other boys, but they are not rough and
noisy about it. They wrestle gently, if you can imagine such a thing.
They have often seen the trained wrestlers at the shows; such big, fat
men. They must weigh at least three hundred pounds. The fat fairly
hangs upon them. The Japanese people are generally slim and rather
small, but if a man is going to train himself to be a wrestler, he eats
everything that will help to make him fat. I should think they could
not get hurt, for they look as though they were cushioned in fat.
The boys of Japan have marbles and tops, just as you do; in fact,
nearly all the games which you like best were played by your far-away
cousins long before there was a white child on this great continent
of ours. "Blind man's buff," "Hide the thimble," and "Puss in the
corner," are great favourites with the Japanese. Instead of hiding
the thimble, however, they use a slipper, and instead of puss in the
corner, they play that it is the devil. You must not forgot that the
Japanese believe there are many devils, or bad spirits, as well as good
ones who are ready to help. They even think of them in their games.
How many holidays have we in a whole year? Stop and count. Not a great
number, we must admit. Lotus Blossom and Toyo have so many that they
can count on their fingers the number of days between any two of them.
Next best to New Year's, our little girl cousin likes the Feast of
Dolls. It comes on the third day of the third month. At that time the
stores are filled with dolls,--big dolls, little dolls, dolls dressed
like princesses with flounced silk gowns, dolls made up as servants,
as dancing-girls, and dolls the very image of the Mikado, the ruler
of Japan,--nothing but dolls and dolls' furniture. When the great day
arrives, Lotus Blossom's mamma makes a throne in the house. She brings
out the two dolls that she herself received when she was born, besides
those of her mother and grandmother and great-grandmother! They have
been carefully packed away in soft papers in the family storehouse.
What a sight they are, with all the new ones that have been bought
for Lotus Blossom. The Mikado doll is first placed on his throne,
surrounded by his court, and then the soldiers and dancers and working
people are made to stand at either side. They are dressed in the proper
clothing that belongs to their position. But this grand array is not
all. There are all kinds of doll's furniture, too,--little tables only
four inches high, with dolls' tea-sets, the tiniest, prettiest china
dishes. There are the wadded silk quilts for the dolls to sleep on,
and wooden pillows on which the doll-heads can rest. Yes, there are
dolls' fans, and even dolls' games.
On this great occasion there is a dinner-party for the whole family of
dolls. Lotus Blossom and her little friends, as well as her father and
mother, are quite busy serving their guests with rice, fish, soup, and
all kinds of sweet dainties. Somehow or other, all these nice things
are eaten. What wonderful dolls they have in Japan, don't they?
Toyo enjoys the day as well as Lotus Blossom, but still he is looking
forward to the fifth of May. That will be his favourite time of all the
year. By that time the girls' dolls will be put away, and the stores
will be filled with boys' playthings,--soldiers, tents, armour, etc.
Toyo's father will place a tall bamboo pole in front of the house, and
hang an immense paper fish on the top of it. The fish's mouth will be
wide open, so that the air will fill his big body. At some of the other
houses there will be a banner instead of a fish. There are figures of
great warriors who fought in olden times on these banners.
When Toyo was a baby his father bought him a banner stand. It has been
kept very carefully, and is now put in the place where the doll's
throne stood a little while ago. The banners of great generals are
hung up, and figures of soldiers are placed on the stand. You see Toyo
has dolls as well as his sister. Everything is done to remind boys of
war at this Festival of Banners. They have processions in the streets.
They play a game in which they form armies against each other. Every
boy carries a flag, and those of one company try to seize the flags of
the boys in the other. Of course the side wins which first succeeds in
gaining the flags of the other.
A festival which everybody loves is the Feast of Lanterns. It is in the
summer time, and the children are dressed in their gayest clothes. They
form processions and march through the streets singing with all their
might. Every child carries a large paper lantern and keeps it swinging
all the time. It is such a pretty sight in the evening light,--the
bright dresses, the graceful figures, the gorgeous lanterns. Oh, Japan
is the land of happy children, young and old.
One pleasant summer afternoon, as Lotus Blossom and Toyo were playing
on their veranda, they noticed some one stopping at the gateway and
then coming up the walk to the house. It was the man-servant who worked
at the home of a friend of theirs, whose father was very rich. Toyo
whispered, "Oh, Lotus Blossom, I believe he's bringing us an invitation
to Chrysanthemum's party. You know she is going to have one on her
birthday." Sure enough, the man came up to the children, and, making
a low bow, presented them with two daintily folded papers and then
departed. They hastened to open them, and found, with delight, that
they were really and truly asked to their friend's party. It was to
be at three o'clock in the afternoon of the following Thursday. Lotus
Blossom ran to her mother, just as her American cousins might do, and
cried, "Oh, mamma, my precious, honourable mother, what shall I wear?
See this; do look at my invitation." It was a rare thing indeed to see
the child so excited. Her mother smiled, and answered, "My dear little
pearl of a Lotus Blossom, I have almost finished embroidering your new
silk garment. It shall be finished, and you shall have a new yellow
crape kerchief to fold about your throat. A barber shall arrange your
long hair about your head; and I will buy you white silk sandals to
be tied with ribbons. Even though your friend is more wealthy than
ourselves, you shall not disgrace your honoured father. Toyo, too, must
have a new garment."
All was made ready, and Thursday came at last. The children were sent
to the party in jinrikishas, so that they should not get dusty. They
looked very pretty. Their little hostess and her mamma received the
guests with smiles and with many long phrases of politeness. Lacquered
trays were brought in and placed in front of each one. On these were
beautiful china cups with no handles. What do you think was served in
them? Don't get up your hopes now and say "lemonade," or "sherbet,"
for you will surely be disappointed. It was tea,--simply tea, without
milk or sugar. The children drank it in honour of their hostess and her
mamma. But something better still was to come. The tea was removed, and
fresh trays, covered with dainty pink papers, were brought in. A cake
made of red beans lay on the middle of each tray, and around it were
placed sugar maple leaves coloured red and green. They looked pretty
enough to keep, but the little guests ate them, leaves and all. After
these came other cakes and sweetmeats, enough to delight the heart of
every one.
Now for games! Proverbs come first of all. It is played very much like
the American game of "Authors," and is a great favourite with both old
and young in Japan. Next comes blind man's buff, but you would hardly
know the game, it is played so much more quietly and slowly than you
are in the habit of playing it.
Wine-cakes, dainties, and tea are served next, and then the best part
of the fun arrives. The screens are moved aside, and the children
behold a little stage. They sit, or rather squat, down on the mats
about the room while some hired performers represent one of their
loved fairy stories in a play. The actresses have lovely gowns, and are
very graceful. It is a very enjoyable occasion.
The time to leave comes all too soon. The jinrikisha men arrive, and
after assuring their hostess that they never had had so lovely a time
before, Lotus Blossom and Toyo make two deep bows and return home very
happy. I believe you would not object to a party like that yourself,
would you?
Among all the joyous festivals of the year, I must not forget to tell
you of the plum-viewing. The winter season is very short in Japan, and
the houses are not built to keep out the cold very well, as you must
have already perceived. When the spring days arrive and the blossoms
begin to appear, the child people are very happy. If they are happy,
of course they must show it. How can they do it so well as by having
out-door picnics in the plum orchards? The children watch for the great
day's arrival when the flowers will be in full bloom. They save up
their yen to spend, and plan for a great good time. No school on that
day! No practising on the koto! No embroidery for Lotus Blossom! Every
one is up early on the bright, clear morning, and baskets are filled
with the nice luncheon mamma has prepared. There is actually an air
of excitement in the quiet Japanese household. The good father leads
the family procession as they start out on their walk to the picnic
grounds. It is about two miles from their home. Other families join
them as they walk along. The throng of gaily dressed and happy people
grows larger every moment. As they near the plum-orchard they find the
road lined with stands, which have been put up for the day. It seems as
though everything one could desire were on sale: cakes, tea, fruit,
fans, sweets of all kinds, toys, etc. No wonder Lotus Blossom and
Toyo wanted to save up their money. But the orchard! Was there ever a
lovelier sight? Hundreds of trees loaded with fragrant pink blossoms!
The people write poems about them, and pin them on the branches,
to show how much they appreciate the beautiful sight which Nature
has given them. Tea-drinking, story-telling, and the entertainments
of travelling showmen take up the day. Sunset bids them leave the
beautiful scene and go back to home and work.
And now, children, we must bid these dear cousins good-bye for a little
while. Although they worship in strange ways, and read their books
upside down, besides doing many other things in a manner that seems
strange to us, yet we can learn much from their simple, childlike
natures. And, after all, isn't one reason why we live in this big world
and are so different one from another, that we may learn from each
other?
THE END.
NEW JUVENILES
'Tilda Jane
BY MARSHALL SAUNDERS
AUTHOR OF "BEAUTIFUL JOE," "FOR HIS
COUNTRY," ETC.
_Fully illustrated_
1 vol., 12mo, $1.30
[Illustration]
A charming and wholesome story for girls, handled with unusual charm
and skill, which was issued serially in the _Youth's Companion_.
'Tilda Jane is a runaway orphan from a Maine asylum, who wanders over
the Canadian border into the settlements of the habitants. The simple
lives of the peasants, their fine characters and racial traits give a
characteristic charm to the story, and the delightful girl heroine will
endear herself to young and old readers.
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NEW JUVENILES
THE
Rosamond Tales
BY CUYLER REYNOLDS
_With many full-page illustrations from original photographs by the
author, together with a frontispiece from a drawing by Maud Humphreys._
Large 12mo, cloth, $1.50
[Illustration]
These are just the bedtime stories that children always ask for, but do
not always get. Rosamond and Rosalind are the hero and heroine of many
happy adventures in town and on their grandfather's farm; and the happy
listeners to their story will unconsciously absorb a vast amount of
interesting knowledge of birds, animals, and flowers, just the things
about which the curiosity of children from four to twelve years old is
most insatiable. The book will be a boon to tired mothers, as a delight
to wide-awake children.
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NEW JUVENILES
Prince Harold
A FAIRY STORY
BY L. F. BROWN
_With ninety full-page illustrations_
Large 12mo, cloth, $1.50
[Illustration]
A delightful fairy tale for children, dealing with the life of a
charming young Prince, who, aided by the Moon Spirit, discovers, after
many adventures, a beautiful girl whom he makes his Princess. He is
so enamored that he dwells with his bride in complete seclusion for a
while, entrusting the conduct of his kingdom meantime to his monkey
servant, Longtail. The latter marries a monkey princess from Amfalulu,
and their joint reign is described with the drollest humor. The real
rulers finally return and upset the reign of the pretenders. An
original and fascinating story for young people.
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NEW JUVENILES
THE
Woodranger Tales
VOLUME III.
The Hero of the Hills
BY G. WALDO BROWNE
VOLUME I.
The Woodranger
BY G. WALDO BROWNE
VOLUME II.
The Young Gunbearer
BY G. WALDO BROWNE
Each large 12mo, cloth, fully illustrated, $1.00
[Illustration]
There is the reality of history behind these stories, the successful
series of "Woodranger Tales," the scope and trend of which are
accurately set forth in the title. While full of adventure, the
interest in which sometimes rises to the pitch of excitement, the
stories are not sensational, for Mr. Browne writes with dignity, if
with liveliness. The books will not fail to interest any lively,
wholesome-minded boy.
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NEW JUVENILES
Our Devoted Friend the Dog
BY SARAH K. BOLTON
AUTHOR OF "GIRLS WHO HAVE BECOME
FAMOUS," ETC.
_Fully illustrated with many reproductions from original photographs_
1 vol., small quarto, $1.50
[Illustration]
This book of the dog and his friends does for the canine member of the
household what Helen M. Winslow's book, "Concerning Cats," did for the
feline. No one who cares for dogs--and that class includes nearly all
who do not care for cats, and some who do--will admit that the subject
of Mrs. Bolton's book is a less felicitous choice than that of its
predecessor; while the author's well-known ability as a writer and
lecturer, as well as her sympathy with her subject, are a sufficient
guarantee of a happy treatment.
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NEW JUVENILES
THE
Cosy Corner Series
A SERIES OF CHARMING ILLUSTRATED JUVENILES BY WELL-KNOWN AUTHORS
We shall issue ten new volumes in this well-known series of child
classics, and announce four as follows:
A Little Puritan Pioneer
BY EDITH ROBINSON
Author of "A Loyal Little Maid," "A Little Puritan's First Christmas,"
etc.
Madam Liberality
BY MRS. EWING
Author of "Jackanapes," "A Great Emergency," "Story of a Short Life,"
etc., etc.
A Bad Penny
BY JOHN T. WHEELWRIGHT
The other seven will include new stories by Louise de la Ramée, Miss
Mulock, Nellie Hellis, Will Allen Dromgoole, etc., etc.
_Forty-four volumes previously published_
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L. C. PAGE & COMPANY'S
Cosy Corner Series
OF
Charming Juveniles
[Illustration]
Each one volume, 16mo, cloth, Illustrated, 50 cents
[Illustration]
=Ole Mammy's Torment.= By ANNIE FELLOWS-JOHNSTON.
Author of "The Little Colonel," etc.
=The Little Colonel.= By ANNIE FELLOWS-JOHNSTON.
Author of "Big Brother."
=Big Brother.= By ANNIE FELLOWS-JOHNSTON.
Author of "The Little Colonel," etc.
=The Gate of the Giant Scissors.= By ANNIE FELLOWS-JOHNSTON.
Author of "The Little Colonel," etc.
=Two Little Knights of Kentucky,= who were "The Little Colonel's"
neighbors. By ANNIE FELLOWS-JOHNSTON.
A sequel to "The Little Colonel."
=The Story of Dago.= By ANNIE FELLOWS-JOHNSTON.
Author of "The Little Colonel," etc.
=Farmer Brown and the Birds.= By FRANCES MARGARET FOX. A little story
which teaches children that the birds are man's best friends.
=Story of a Short Life.= By JULIANA HORATIA EWING.
This beautiful and pathetic story is a part of the world's literature
and will never die.
=Jackanapes.= By JULIANA HORATIA EWING.
A new edition, with new illustrations, of this exquisite and touching
story, dear alike to young and old.
=The Little Lame Prince.= By MISS MULOCK.
A delightful story of a little boy who has many adventures by means of
the magic gifts of his fairy godmother.
=The Adventures of a Brownie.= By MISS MULOCK.
The story of a household elf who torments the cook and gardener, but is
a constant joy and delight to the children.
=His Little Mother.= By MISS MULOCK.
Miss Mulock's short stories for children are a constant source of
delight to them, and "His Little Mother," in this new and attractive
dress, will be welcomed by hosts of readers.
=Little Sunshine's Holiday.= By MISS MULOCK.
"Little Sunshine" is another of those beautiful child-characters for
which Miss Mulock is so justly famous.
=Wee Dorothy.= By LAURA UPDEGRAFF.
A story of two orphan children, the tender devotion of the eldest, a
boy, for his sister being its theme.
=Rab and His Friends.= By DR. JOHN BROWN.
Doctor Brown's little masterpiece is too well known to need description.
=The Water People.= By CHARLES LEE SLEIGHT.
Relating the further adventures of "Harry," the little hero of "The
Prince of the Pin Elves."
=The Prince of the Pin Elves.= By CHAS. LEE SLEIGHT.
A fascinating story of the underground adventures of a sturdy, reliant
American boy among the elves and gnomes.
=Helena's Wonderworld.= By FRANCES HODGES WHITE.
A delightful tale of the adventures of a little girl in the mysterious
regions beneath the sea.
=For His Country.= By MARSHALL SAUNDERS.
A beautiful story of a patriotic little American lad.
=A Little Puritan's First Christmas.= By EDITH ROBINSON.
=A Little Daughter of Liberty.= By EDITH ROBINSON.
Author of "A Loyal Little Maid," "A Little Puritan Rebel," etc.
A true story of the Revolution.
=A Little Puritan Rebel.= By EDITH ROBINSON.
An historical tale of a real girl, during the time when the gallant Sir
Harry Vane was governor of Massachusetts.
=A Loyal Little Maid.= By EDITH ROBINSON.
A delightful and interesting story of Revolutionary days, in which the
child heroine, Betsey Schuyler, renders important services to George
Washington and Alexander Hamilton.
=A Dog of Flanders.= A CHRISTMAS STORY. By LOUISE DE LA RAMÉE (Ouida).
=The Nurnberg Stove.= By LOUISE DE LA RAMÉE (Ouida).
This beautiful story has never before been published at a popular price.
=The King of the Golden River.= A LEGEND OF STIRIA. By JOHN RUSKIN.
Written fifty years or more ago, this little fairy tale soon became
known and made a place for itself.
=La Belle Nivernaise.= THE STORY OF AN OLD BOAT AND HER CREW. By
ALPHONSE DAUDET.
It has been out of print for some time, and is now offered in cheap but
dainty form in this new edition.
=The Young King.= =The Star Child.=
Two stories chosen from a recent volume by a gifted author, on account
of their rare beauty, great power, and deep significance.
=A Great Emergency.= By MRS. EWING.
=The Trinity Flower.= By JULIANA HORATIA EWING.
In this little volume are collected three of Mrs. Ewing's best short
stories for the young people.
=The Adventures of Beatrice and Jessie.= By RICHARD MANSFIELD.
A bright and amusing story of the strange adventures of two little
girls in the "realms of unreality."
=A Child's Garden of Verses.= By R. L. STEVENSON.
This little classic is undoubtedly the best of all volumes of poetry
for children.
=Little King Davie.= By NELLIE HELLIS.
It is sufficient to say of this book that it has sold over 110,000
copies in England, and consequently should well be worthy of a place in
"The Cosy Corner Series."
=Little Peterkin Vandike.= By CHARLES STUART PRATT.
The author's dedication furnishes a key to this charming story.
"I dedicate this book, made for the amusement of the boys who may
read it, to the memory of one boy, who would have enjoyed as much as
Peterkin the plays of the Poetry Party."
=The Making of Zimri Bunker.= A TALE OF NANTUCKET. By W. J. LONG.
The story deals with a sturdy American fisher lad during the war of
1812.
=The Fortunes of the Fellow.= By WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE. A sequel to "The
Farrier's Dog and His Fellow."
=The Farrier's Dog and His Fellow.= By WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE.
This story, written by the gifted young Southern woman, will appeal to
all that is best in the natures of her many admirers.
=The Sleeping Beauty.= A MODERN VERSION. By MARTHA B. DUNN.
A charming story of a little fishermaid of Maine, intellectually
"asleep," until she meets the "Fairy Prince."
=The Young Archer.= By CHARLES E. BRIMBLECOM.
A strong and wholesome story of a boy who accompanied Columbus on his
voyage to the New World.
Selections from
L. C. PAGE & COMPANY'S
Books for Young People
[Illustration]
=Old Father Gander;= OR, THE BETTER-HALF OF MOTHER GOOSE. RHYMES,
CHIMES, AND JINGLES scratched from his own goose-quill for American
Goslings. Illustrated with impossible Geese, hatched and raised by
WALTER SCOTT HOWARD.
1 vol., oblong quarto, cloth decorative $2.00
The illustrations are so striking and fascinating that the book will
appeal to the young people aside from the fact even of the charm and
humor of the songs and rhymes. There are thirty-two full-page plates,
of which many are in color. The color illustrations are a distinct and
successful departure from the old-fashioned lithographic work hitherto
invariably used for children's books.
=The Crock of Gold:= A NEW BOOK OF FAIRY TALES. By S. BARING GOULD.
Author of "Mehalah," "Old Country Life," "Old English Fairy Tales,"
etc. With twenty-five full-page illustrations by F. D. Bedford.
1 vol., tall 12mo, cloth decorative, gilt top $1.50
This volume will prove a source of delight to the children of two
continents, answering their always increasing demand for "more fairy
stories."
=Shireen and Her Friends:= THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A PERSIAN CAT. By
GORDON STABLES.
Illustrated by Harrison Weir.
1 vol., large 12mo, cloth decorative $1.25
A more charming book about animals Dr. Stables himself has not written.
It is similar in character to "Black Beauty," "Beautiful Joe," and
other books which teach us to love and protect the dumb animals.
=Bully, Fag, and Hero.= By CHARLES J. MANSFORD.
With six full-page illustrations by S. H. Vedder.
1 vol., large 12mo, cloth decorative, gilt top $1.50
An interesting story of schoolboy life and adventure in school and
during the holidays.
=The Adventures of a Boy Reporter in the Philippines.= By HARRY STEELE
MORRISON.
Author of "A Yankee Boy's Success."
1 vol., large 12mo, cloth, illustrated $1.25
A true story of the courage and enterprise of an American lad. It is
a splendid boys' book, filled with healthy interest, and will tend to
stimulate and encourage the proper ambition of the young reader.
=Tales Told in the Zoo.= By F. C. GOULD.
With many illustrations from original drawings.
1 vol., large quarto $2.00
A new book for young people on entirely original lines. The tales are
supposed to be told by an old adjutant stork in the Zoological Gardens
to the assembled birds located there, and they deal with legendary and
folk-lore stories of the origins of various creatures, mostly birds,
and their characteristics.
=Philip:= THE STORY OF A BOY VIOLINIST. By T. W. O.
1 vol., 12mo, cloth $1.00
The life-story of a boy, reared among surroundings singular enough to
awaken interest at the start, is described by the present author as it
could be described only by one thoroughly familiar with the scene. The
reader is carried from the cottages of the humblest coal-miners into
the realms of music and art; and the _finale_ of this charming tale is
a masterpiece of pathetic interest.
=Black Beauty:= THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A HORSE. By ANNA SEWELL. _New
Illustrated Edition._
With twenty-five full-page drawings by Winifred Austin.
1 vol., large 12mo, cloth decorative, gilt top $1.25
There have been many editions of this classic, but we confidently
offer this one as the most appropriate and handsome yet produced. The
illustrations are of special value and beauty, and should make this
the standard edition wherever illustrations worthy of the story are
desired.
L. C. PAGE & COMPANY'S
Gift Book Series
FOR
Boys and Girls
[Illustration]
Each one volume, tall 12mo, cloth, Illustrated, $1.00
[Illustration]
=The Little Colonel's House Party.= By ANNIE FELLOWS-JOHNSTON.
Author of "Little Colonel," etc. Illustrated by E. B. Barry.
Mrs. Johnston has endeared herself to the children by her charming
little books published in the Cosy Corner Series. Accordingly, a longer
story by her will be eagerly welcomed by the little ones who have so
much enjoyed each story from her pen.
=Chums.= By MARIA LOUISE POOL.
Author of "Little Bermuda," etc. Illustrated by L. J. Bridgman.
"Chums" is a girls' book, about girls and for girls. It relates the
adventures, in school, and during vacation, of two friends.
=Three Little Crackers.= FROM DOWN IN DIXIE. By WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE.
Author of "The Farrier's Dog." A fascinating story for boys and girls,
of the adventures of a family of Alabama children who move to Florida
and grow up in the South.
=Miss Gray's Girls;= OR, SUMMER DAYS IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS. By
JEANNETTE A. GRANT.
A delightfully told story of a summer trip through Scotland, somewhat
out of the beaten track. A teacher, starting at Glasgow, takes a lively
party of girls, her pupils, through the Trossachs to Oban, through the
Caledonian Canal to Inverness, and as far north as Brora.
=King Pippin:= A STORY FOR CHILDREN. By MRS. GERARD FORD.
Author of "Pixie."
One of the most charming books for young folks which has been issued
for some time. The hero is a lovable little fellow, whose frank and
winning ways disarm even the crustiest of grandmothers, and win for him
the affection of all manner of unlikely people.
=Feats on the Fiord:= A TALE OF NORWEGIAN LIFE. By HARRIET MARTINEAU.
This admirable book, read and enjoyed by so many young people, deserves
to be brought to the attention of parents in search of wholesome
reading for their children to-day. It is something more than a juvenile
book, being really one of the most instructive books about Norway and
Norwegian life and manners ever written.
=Songs and Rhymes for the Little Ones.= Compiled by MARY WHITNEY
MORRISON (Jenny Wallis).
New edition, with an introduction by Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney.
No better description of this admirable book can be given than Mrs.
Whitney's happy introduction:
"One might almost as well offer June roses with the assurance of
their sweetness, as to present this lovely little gathering of verse,
which announces itself, like them, by its own deliciousness. Yet, as
Mrs. Morrison's charming volume has long been a delight to me, I am
only too happy to declare that it is to me--and to two families of my
grandchildren--the most bewitching book of songs for little people that
we have ever known."
=The Young Pearl Divers:= A STORY OF AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BY LAND AND
BY SEA. By LIEUT. H. PHELPS WHITMARSH.
This is a splendid story for boys, by an author who writes in vigorous
and interesting language, of scenes and adventures with which he is
personally acquainted.
=The Woodranger.= By G. WALDO BROWNE.
The first of a series of five volumes entitled "The Woodranger Tales."
Although based strictly on historical facts the book is an interesting
and exciting tale of adventure, which will delight all boys, and be by
no means unwelcome to their elders.
=Three Children of Galilee:= A LIFE OF CHRIST FOR THE YOUNG. By JOHN
GORDON.
There has long been a need for a Life of Christ for the young, and this
book has been written in answer to this demand. That it will meet with
great favor is beyond question, for parents have recognized that their
boys and girls want something more than a Bible story, a dry statement
of facts, and that, in order to hold the attention of the youthful
readers, a book on this subject should have life and movement as well
as scrupulous accuracy and religious sentiment.
=Little Bermuda.= By MARIA LOUISE POOL.
Author of "Dally," "A Redbridge Neighborhood," "In a Dike Shanty,"
"Friendship and Folly," etc.
The adventures of "Little Bermuda" from her home in the tropics to a
fashionable American boarding-school. The resulting conflict between
the two elements in her nature, the one inherited from her New England
ancestry, and the other developed by her West Indian surroundings, gave
Miss Pool unusual opportunity for creating an original and fascinating
heroine.
=The Wild Ruthvens:= A HOME STORY. By CURTIS YORK.
A story illustrating the mistakes, failures, and successes of a family
of unruly but warm-hearted boys and girls. They are ultimately softened
and civilized by the influence of an invalid cousin, Dick Trevanion,
who comes to live with them.
=The Adventures of a Siberian Cub.= Translated from the Russian of
Slibitski by LEON GOLSCHMANN.
This is indeed a book which will be hailed with delight, especially by
children who love to read about animals. The interesting and pathetic
adventures of the orphan bear, Mishook, will appeal to old and young in
much the same way as have "Black Beauty" and "Beautiful Joe."
=Timothy Dole.= By JUNIATA SALSBURY.
The youthful hero, and a genuine hero he proves to be, starts from
home, loses his way, meets with startling adventures, finds friends,
kind and many, and grows to be a manly man. It is a wholesome and
vigorous book, that boys and girls, and parents as well, will read and
enjoy.
=The Young Gunbearer.= By G. WALDO BROWNE.
This is the second volume of "The Woodranger Tales." The new story,
while complete in itself, continues the fortunes and adventures of "The
Woodranger's" young companions.
=A Bad Penny.= By JOHN T. WHEELRIGHT.
A dashing story of the New England of 1812. In the climax of the
story the scene is laid during the well-known sea-fight between the
_Chesapeake_ and _Shannon_, and the contest is vividly portrayed.
=The Fairy Folk of Blue Hill:= A STORY OF FOLK-LORE. By LILY F.
WESSELHOEFT.
A new volume by Mrs. Wesselhoeft, well known as one of our best writers
for the young, and who has made a host of friends among the young
people who have read her delightful books. This book ought to interest
and appeal to every child who has read her earlier works.
End of Project Gutenberg's Our Little Japanese Cousin, by Mary Hazelton Wade
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