T S ^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. -~ — - \% ^67 Shelf ._.B.S_5 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. PRICE TWENTY-FIVE CENTS BRIQQS' AMERICAN TANNER CONTAINING QUICK AND HANDY METHODS OF CURING, TANNING, AND COLORING r THE SKINS OF THE SHEEP, GOAT, DOG, RABBIT, OTTER, BEAVER, MUSKRAT, MINK, WOLF. FOX, ETC., AND OTHER HEAVIER HIDES FULLY ILLUSTRATED NEW YORK dick: & KITZQKRAIvD 18 ANN STREET THE AMERICAN TANNER. CONTAINING IMPROVED AND QUICK METHODS CURING, TANNING, AND COLORING THE SKINS OF THE SHEEP, GOAT, DOG, RABBIT, OTTER, BEAVER, MUSKRAT, MINK, WOLF, FOX, ETC., AND OTHER HEAVIER HIDES; INCLUDING A Plain Description of the Necessary Utensils, and Practical Directions for their Use. r FULLY ILLUSTRATED. >■, . / ^^^ By N. R, BRIGGS. NEW YORK : DICK & FITZGERALD, Publishers, l8 ANN STREET. :? X ^ Copyright, 1892, By Dick & Fitzgerali>. / / CONTBNTS. PAGE IMPROVED METHODS OF TANNING - 5 UTENSILS - - - - - - 5 PREPARING THE HIDES OR SKINS - 8 TO SOAK THE HIDES OR SKINS - 8 TO REMOVE THE HAIR OR WOOL - 9 FLESHING A SKIN - - - - lO TAN LIQUOR FOR LIGHT SKINS - 1 1 FINISHING LIGHT SKINS - - - 13 GLOVE LEATHER LIQUID - - -14 TAN LIQUOR FOR HEAVY HIDES - 14- FINISHING HEAVY HIDES - - - 15 WATERPROOF STUFFING - - - 16 GRAIN BLACKING - - - 17 & 19 FLESH SIDE BLACKING - - - 19 TANNING MUSKRAT SKINS - - 20 IV CONTENTS. PAOS TO ENLIVEN FURS - - - - 21 TANNING WITH ACID- - - » 21 TO TAN A MUSKRAT SKIN » « 22 TO TAN RABBIT SKINS -= »< - 24 TO TAN ALL KINDS OF SKINS» - 25 COLORING FOR FURS AND WOOL 27 & 28 MAKE YOUR WORK PAV - - - 29 HOW TO CURE SKINS - - «- 32 THE AMERICAN TANNER. IMPROVED METHODS OF TANNING. n~^HIS work is especially gotten up for the tanning of all light skins, such as sheep, goat, dog, rabbit, otter, beaver, muskrat, mink, wolf, fox, etc. For heavier skins than the above, see receipt under heading of "heavy leath- er tan," No. 7. The receipt for tanning with acid, No. 15, is particularly valuable in tanning sheep-skins for making up into rugs and dusters for the market, where time is of value. UTENSILS. In commencing operations for tan- ning, it is necessary first to fit yourseK 6 THE AMERICA!!^ TAKl^'ER. out with the necessary apparatus^ which consists of : 1st. Two or more good strong tubs, as shown in Fig. 1. These may be made by cutting in half any good tight barrel Fig. 1. or hogshead. The style shown in the illustration answers very well for a few skins. 2d. A fleshing-knife, as shown in Fig. 2, may be made from an old drawing- knife or piece of scythe, by grinding the edge down to about a thirty-second of THE AMEEICAN TANJ!TER. 7 an inch; tliis will give two edges to work with by reversing, and of sufficient Fig. 2. sharpness to remove all fleshy and fatty substances from a skin. 3d. For a fleshing-beam as shown in Fig. 3, select a fine grained, hard-wood Fig. 3. slab, about seven feet long, and about fifteen inches wide. Have the round 8 THE AMEEICAK TANKEE. side up ; put in two legs about two feet from one end of the slab, the other end rests on the floor, as shown in the illus- tration. PREPARING THE HIDES OR SKINS. Before skin can be subjected to tan- ning, it requires some preliminary pre- paration. This consists in soaking the skin, and afterwards carefully removing all fatty and fleshy matter. A descrip- tion of how this may be done is given in Nos. 1, 2 and 3, as follows : No. l.-TO SOAK THE HIDES OR SKINS. To soak skins, take four gallons cold soft water, one-half pint soft-soap, one- half ounce of borax, (if the skins have not been salted, add to the above, one- haK pint salt, and if to be tanned with the hair on, add three-quarters of an THE AMEEICAK TANKEE. 9 ounce of sulpliiirie acid, which will set the hair on on the skins). Now thoroughly dissolve and mix, and place the skins in this bath, and allow to soak from two to six hours. This part of the process is to make the skins soft and pliable, ready for the fleshing-beam. No. 2.-TO REMOVE THE HAIR OR WOOL. If it is desired to remove the hair or wool from a skin, omit the sulphuric acid in the above bath for soaking, No. 1, and after soaking, put the skins in a liquor composed of five gallons cold water, four quarts slaked lime, four quarts of hard-wood ashes, and allow to soak from one to six days ; or until the hair slips off easily. As soon as this can be done, remove to the fleshing- 10 THE AlilERICAl^ TANKER. beanij and with the fleshing-knif e scrape off the hair or wool, and then turn the skin over and flesh as described in No. 3, then wash thoroughly in cold water, and again remove to fleshing-heam, and with the fleshing-knife sleek by scraping off all the greasy water. The skins are now ready for the tan liquor, as described in Nos. 4 and 7, according as they are heavy or light. No. 3.-FLESHING A SKIN. Fleshing a skin is done by placing the skin on the fleshing-beam, flesh side up, and with the fleshing-knife (already described) all the fleshy and fatty sub- stances are carefully removed, care being taken with the very light skins not to cut them. It is very important that this part of the work of removing every par- THE AMERICAN TAKKER. 11 tide of the fleshy and fatty substance be well done before putting the skins into the tan liquor, if you wish to have the skins evenly and quickly tanned. The fleshing-beam may be also used to place the skins on for removing the hair or wool, and for sleeking and stretching the skins, after some of the other pro- cesses herein described. No. 4.-TAN LIQUOR FOR LIGHT SKINS. To eight quarts of cold soft water add one-quarter of a poimd of pulverized oxalic acid, one quart of common salt. Dissolve well and immerse the skins. The quantity of material prescribed in each of the receipts, is given on the basis of treating one skin of the size of a calf or sheep- skin, while smaller skins, such as inuskrat, mink, etc., as many 12 THE AMEEICAN" TAKKEE. may be put in as can be kept submerged and easily handled. The whole skin^ no matter whether containing wool, hair or fur, should be kept entirely submerged. (Enough tan liquor should be made to cover the skins well.) They should be turned occasion- ally, so that all parts of the skins may come in contact with the tan liquor. Very light skins should remain in this liquor from three to four hours. Calf- skins are not considered light skins, and should remain in the liquor from twenty-four to forty-eight hours; or until tanned through, which can be told by cutting on the neck, the thick- est part of the skin. If the tan color, that is given to the skins, by the use of terra japonica (gum catechu) as men- tioned for heavy hides in No. 7, is no objection, it would be well to tan calf- THE AMEBIC AK TAN"N"ER. 13 skin with the tan liquor of No. 7; otherwise, use as here described, which leaves the skin a pure white color. When thoroughly tanned, remove and wash in cold water and hang up to par- tially dry, then proceed with No. 5. No. 5.— FINISHING LIGHT SKINS. All skins when drying are like full cloth when wet; they contract or full up, and have to be stretched. To do this, take the skin before it is thorough- ly dried, and place it upon the fleshing- beam, over some yielding substance, such as a sheep-skin flesh side up ; then use the fleshing-knif e ; by -pushing the edge of the blade stoutly in all direc- tions over the leather it will become stretched; then remove to a strong table and roll until soft and pliable, and then follow directions in No. 6. 14 THE AMERICAN TAKl^ER. No. 6.-GLOVE LEATHER LIQUID. This liquid should be applied to all light skins, when extra softness is de- sirable, after tanning and finishing, and, when thoroughly dried in, should be again rolled upon the table until soft and pliable. It is made by mixing one pint of soft-soap, one pint of tanners' or neats-foot oil, one-half pint of al- cohol, and thoroughly rubbing into the flesh side of the skin ; without this the leather and furs would not be fit for their various uses. No. 7.-TAN LIQUOR FOR HEAVY HIDES. The light leather tan liquor leaves the leather too open or porous for leather that is to be exposed to water and rough usage. Therefore, add to the tan liquor for light skins: Three- THE AMERICAiq" TAKNER. 15 quarters of a pound melted terra japo- nica (gum catechu); melt with water, and proceed the same as with light skins, giving more time in the tan liquor — say from two to ten days, ac- cording to the thickness of the skin. When sufficiently tanned, remove from the liquor, and thoroughly wash, and follow directions given in No. 8, finish- ing heavy hides. No. 8.-FINISHING HEAVY HIDES. After taking the hides out of the tan liquor, they must be thoroughly washed, and scoured upon the grain side (the side the hair was taken off), if that is to be blacked; for the acid in the tan liquor, if any should remain, kills the coloring material in the grain black. Scouring is done by placing the hides 16 THE AMEEICAN TAITKEE. upon a table grain side up, and, with a good stiff brush (a scrubbing-brush will answer) and water, go over the hides thoroughly, using considerable strength, and then hang up. When half dried, apply the preparation under the head- ing of "Waterproof Stuffing," No. 9, spreading on a quantity about a third as thick as the hide to which you ap- ply it. No. 9.-WATERPROOF STUFFING- One pint rye or wheat flour, four ounces bees-wax, three ounces each of pine pitch and barberry gum, two pounds beef tallow ; melt together over a slow fire ; then add one quart of tan- ners' or neat's-foot oil, one quart boiled linseed oil; take off the fire and mix in one-half pint of alcohol ; stir until cooled. If a polish is required, for THE AMERICAN TANNEE. 17 boot or harness leather, melt four ounces of gum tragacanth with water, in a vessel placed in a kettle of boiling water, to which add one-half ounce of lamp black; when fully melted stir it into the waterproof stuffing while the latter is cooling. A good coating of this stuffing should be applied to the hides and then hung in the shade until dry ; then whiten or sleek, that is, remove all the stuffing that has not dried in ; then remove to the table and bowl (that is work by rolling until soft and pliable). If the grain side is to be blacked, it should be treated with grain blacking Nos. 10 or 11, both of which are good. No. lO.-GRAIN BLACKING. Take two ounces terra japonica (gum catechu), one-half ounce extract of log- 18 THE AMERICAK TAKKER. wood, one ounce of copperas, one quart of zeig (urine), and melt to- gether over a slow fire. Before apply- ing the blacking, sponge the grain side of the leather with old zeig (urine), then sleek or scrape off the urine. Ee- peat the operation; then apply the blacking while warm with a very stiff brush, rubbing it thoroughly in. If it does not produce a beautiful black readily, apply a light coat of soft-soap, rubbing it smartly with the hands; then immediately apply the glove leath- er liquid (No. 6), or the copperas in the blacking would injure the grain; then hang in the shade to dry. When about dry apply a light coat of waterproof stuffing (No. 9), rubbing it well into the leather. If a polish is desired, apply the waterproof stuffing with the gum tragacanth added, in the manner sug- THE AMERICAN TANIS'EE. 19 gested in No. 9, and after allowing to dry in, polish with any hard smooth substance, using considerable strength. If it is also desired to black the flesh side, follow directions as given in No. 12, — flesh side blacking. No. 1 1.— ANOTHER GRAIN BLACKING. To stain the grain side of a skin a permanent black, rub well with a strong aqueous solution of proto-sulphate of iron, and then with a concentrated solution of extract of logwood. No. 12.-FLESH SIDE BLACKING. To one pint of soft-soap, add two ounces lampblack, one-half ounce pul- verized copperas : boil over a slow fire ten minutes ; after cooling, reduce with so THE AMEHICAi^ TAiq"HEE. water to the consistency of molasses, and apply with a stiff brush; then sponge with glove liquid (No. 6). Al- low to dry in, then apply some of the waterproof stuffing and gum tragacanth (No. 9) J and polish. No. 13.— TANNING MUSKRAT SKINS. The muskrat skin being very tender, and the flesh very tough, the skin will not bear fleshing without laying in the tan liquor for light skins (No. 4) at least one hour; then take it out and place on the flesh side of a sheep-skin and V carefully flesh. After this, replace in the tan liquor, and let it remain at least three hours more; then thoroughly wash in cold water, and finish as de- scribed in finishing light skins. (See No. 5.) THE AMERICAN TANNER. 21 No. 14.— TO ENLIVEN FURS. Furs may be enlivened by taking equal parts of scorched bran and sharp clean white sand or hard-wood saw- dust, and rub in the fur until it be- comes free and bright ; then shake out. No. 15.-TANNING WITH ACID. Soak and wash in the usual way, de- scribed in No. 1. Then take oil of vit- riol (sulphuric acid) and water, equal parts of each, and thoroughly wet the flesJi side of the shin only, letting it act on the skin for twenty minutes only. In the meantime get ready a solution of sal-soda and water, say one pound to 'a bucket of water, and soak the skin in that for two hours; then remove and thoroughly wash in clean cold water, and apply a little dry salt and let it 22 THE AMEEICAl^ TANI^EE. remain on for eight or ten hours. Then remove to the fleshing-beam and flesh. When dry, or nearly so, soften by pull- ing and rolling with the hands and a piece of pumice stone. This is the quickest way of tanning, and by only wetting the skin with acid and soaking out in twenty minutes, they are not rotted. This receipt is especially valuable for tanning sheep-skins for making up into rugs and dusters, as hereinafter de- scribed. No. 16.— HOW TO TAN A MUSKRAT SKIN. After washing the hide or skin in hot water, and removing all fatty and* fleshy matter, prepare a liquor by mixing together the following ingre- dients : ten gallons of cold soft water* THE AMEEICAK TANNER. 23 eight qnarts of wheat bran, one half pint old soft soap, one onnee borax, one pint salt. This quantity will be sufficient for six or seven skins. Soak the hides in this liquor for eight or ten hours, if they are fresh ; or until very soft, if the hides have been previously dried. The salt must be omitted if the hides have already been salted; and the ad- dition of two ounces sulphuric acid to the liquor will prepare the skins in about one half the time. The hides will then be ready for the tanning liquor, which is made of the following materials : ten gallons warm soft water, one half bushel bran, two and one haK pounds sulphuric acid. Stir the bran into the water until thoroughly mixed, and let it stand in a warm room until it ferments. When this takes place, 24 THE AMEEICAN" TAKNER. add the sulphuric acid by degrees, and, with constant stirring. This quantity will be sufficient to tan six or seven skins. Soak the muskrat skins in this for about four hours ; then take them out and rub them with a fleshing knife. In order to render the skin soft and pliable, it must be rubbed over a smooth beam until dry. (See No. 13.) No. 17.-HOW TO TAN RABBIT-SKINS. Lay the skin on a smooth board, the fur side undermost, and fasten it down, tightly stretched, with tinned tacks. First wash it over with a solu- tion of common salt; then moisten the surface all over with a sponge dipped in a solution consisting of one pint warm water, two and one half THE AMEEICAN TAKNER. 25 ounces alum, Eepeat the sponging occasionally for three days. Then, when the skin is quite dry, take out the tacks, roll it loosely the long way, hair inside, and draw it quickly back- wards and forwards through a large smooth ring until quite soft; unroll it, and roll it again the opposite way, and repeat the operation. No. IS.-HOW TO TAN ALL KINDS OF SKINS. The following is a method applicable to all skins with the fur on: First trim off all useless parts, then remove all fatty matter from the inside. (If the skin is dry, it must first be soft- ened by soaking.) Next soak the skin for an hour in warm water. After this, spread over the inside of the skin, by means of a brush, a coating of the 26 THE AMEEICAK TAKXEE. following mixture: one onnce borax, one ounce saltpetre, one ounce glauber salts (sulphate of soda). Water suffi- cient to make a thin paste. The coating should be heavier on the thicker parts of the skin; double the skin together, coated side inwards, and put it away in a cool place. At the end of twenty-four hours, apply, in the same manner as before, a coat- ing of a mixture consisting of one ounce sal soda, one half ounce borax, two ounces hard white soap. Melt these together slowly by heat, without allowing the mixture to boil. After coating the skin with the above, fold it together again as before, and put it in a warm place for another twenty- four hours. At the expiration of this time, take four ounces alum, eight ounces salt, two ounces saleratns. Dis- THE AMERICAN TAis"lsrER. 27 solve these in hot water sufficient in quantity to saturate the skin; when cool enough not to scald the hands, soak the skin in it for twelve hours; then wring it out, and hang it up to dry. The soaking and drying must be re- peated two or three times, until the skin is sufficiently soft. Lastly, smooth the inside with fine sand-paper and pumice stone. No. 1 9.-COLORING FOR FURS AND WOOL, Take equal parts of pulverized un- slacked lime and litharge; mix to a thin paste with water, and apply with a brush. One or two coats will give a light buff color. By using several coats a beautiful light brown is obtained, every additional coat deepening the color. By adding ammonia and nitrate 28 THE AMERICAN TANNER. of silver a beautiful black is produced. After taking a skin from the heavy leather tan liquor (ISTo. 7), which con- tains terra japonica (gum catechu), which is a permanent coloring dye, sponge the hair or wool with a solu- tion of lime and water^ and it deepens the red shade. A strong solution of alum water will set the color. No. 20.-0RANGE COLOR. For coloring a bright orange on wool, wash thoroughly so as to remove all grease, then take one ounce picric acid to each skin ; dissolve the acid in tem- perate water (soft), using enough to cover the skin. Use alcohol or vinegar to set the color. No. 2 1. -MAGENTA COLOR. To color a nice magenta color, take for each skin, one-half ounce magenta THE AMERICAN TANKER. 29 crystals, and dissolve in two or three quarts of boiling hot water, stir until all dissolved and then add water enough to cover the skins. The water should not be hotter at the putting in of the skins than to comfortably admit of put- ting the hands in. When of the right color remove, and set with a pint of vinegar or alcohol in water enough to cover the skin. MAKE YOUR WORK PAY. It pays best to secure long coarse- wooled sheep-pelts, with wool say three and a half to five inches long, and after tanning and coloring them as herein described, make up as follows : Should you have two gi*ades of dress- ed pelts, one, the wool of which is from 30 THE AMERICAN TAKIsTER. three to four inches long, the other, four to five inches, use the short wools for rugs, and the long wools for dusters. Those intended for rugs may be colored magenta color, or a pretty yellow. Trim them to good shape, square corners and oblong, and comb out nicely with a heavy wooden comb. The long wools intended for the dusters may be colored magenta and yellow ; as both make up Fig. 4. prettily and excel the finest feathers. Now cut a pattern like the diagram, THE AMERICAN TAN"KER. 31 Fig. 4, about fonr and a half inches across the base, and about two inches across the top or tapered end, and five inches long. The shape at the tapered end is to give a rounded appearance when the sides are sewed together. Comb out well and sew the sides to- gether, up and over the tapered end, when it is ready for the handles. These may be made at any wood-turning estab- lishment, and should not cost over^two or three cents apiece; are best made from white-wood or bass-wood, and in design according to fancy. They may be stained with the magenta coloring used in coloring the wool, or black, and varnished. Before putting the duster on the handle, stuff within two inches of the opening with the combings ; this is to prevent the end of the handle from marring the furniture, and to give 32 THE AMEEICAK TAKKEE. shape to the duster; draw on the handle and securely tack. A narrow strip of black or red leather may be now tacked around the bottom to give a finish. If you have done your work well, these are articles that will sell, and may be introduced to neighbors and the people of the nearest village or city at a good profit ; fifty and seventy- five cents being a fair price for the dusters, and two to four dollars for the rugs. HOW TO CURE SKINS. The marketable value of fur-skins mainly depends, of course, on the quality and kind of the fur; but even the best skins will fail to command a fair price unless they are properly THE AMERICAN" TANNER. 33 cured and prepared for tlie furrier or tanner. In order to arrive at this re- sult, the amateur trapper will need directions for removing the skin from the animal without spoiling it by un- necessary incisions ; and also for treat- ing the skins, when removed, in the manner which will best fit them for mercantile purposes. / There are vaiious ways for curing small skins, the simplest being to tack it, fur inwards, on a board well stretched, and allow it to dry where it is not exposed to the sunshine or the heat of a fire. Some prefer to stretch the skin, turned inside out, over a strip of any elastic wood, such as hickory, birch, elm, etc., the edges of the skin being secured in notches cut into the bow, as seen in the accompanying illustration. (Fig. 5.) THE AMEKICAK TAKKER. For curing in this manner a musk- rat skin, for instance, the feet are first cut off ; the skin is ripped with a knife from the centre of the under- jaw down Fig. 5. the middle of the belly, a little beyond the holes left by the fore-legs ; the skin is next cut loose around the lips, ears, and eyeSj and finally stripped back- THE AMERICAN TAKKER. 35 wards off the body. Stretching on a bow is not generally a good plan, as it draws the skin out of its natural shape, the usual implement used for curing small skins being the board stretcher, as it is light and portable. It consists of a piece of board, one-fourth or three- sixteenths of an inch thick; in length about eighteen inches or more; and six inches in width at one end, slightly tapering to the other end, which is rounded off to an oval with a blunt point. At the broad end, notches are cut, in which the edges of the skin, when stretched on the board, are se- cured. (See Fig. 5.) An improvement on the foregoing requires a little more trouble in its construction, which is as follows : Pre- pare a piece of light board, about thre^ eighths of an inch thick, somewhat mor« 36 THE AMERICAN TAIfKEE. than two feet long; three and a half inches wide at one end, and tapering to a little over two inches wide at the other end ; the narrow end is rounded, Fig. 6. aiid the rounded edge beveled off. It should then be gradually thinned off its entire length, from the centre to each side, so that the edges become tolerably THE AMERICAI^^ TAKJiTEE. 37 tliin, the centre retaining its original thickness. Next saw the board exactly down its centre. A stretcher or wedge is made of the same thickness of wood, one inch wide at one end, and three- eighths of an inch wide at the other, the same length as the other board. The two halves of the board are in- serted in the skin, the wedge is then introduced between them, and being driven in, stretches the skin thoroughly. These stretchers are made of different sizes, with the same proportions, to suit the various kinds of skins, the one just described being suitable for mink and other animals of like size. (See Fig. 6.) Otter skins will require a stretcher nearly three times as large. When using these board-stretchers, the skin should be ripped along the back of the hind legs up to the vent; having cut 38 THE AMERICAN TAKNER. the edge of the skin loose around the vent, strip it from the tail, and draw the whole carefully forward, peeling it off the animal towards the head, which is the last place to be skinned. The skin is now like a long pocket, the fur side inwards, and ready for the inser- tion of the stretcher. In removing the skin from the otter, and other wide-tailed animals, it will be necessary to rip the skin along the under side of the tail, and open it out stretched flat on a board. 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Besides being a complete and almost indispensable book of reference for the re- ceipts and articles needed in every household, farm, garden, &c., it includes clear and easily understood directions for the applica- tion of many of the Arts usually acquired only by long experience, and so divested of technicalities, or the technical terms used BO fully explained as to bring the entire subject within the compre- hension of any person of ordinary intelligence. 600 pages, royal 8vo, cloth 1^ ..».» $5.00 600 pages, royal 8vo, sheep 6.00 How TO Conduct a Debate. ^ A series of com- plete Debates, Outlines of Debates, and Questions for Discussion. In the complete debates, the questions for discussion are defined, the debate formally opened, an array of brilliant arguments adduced on cither side, and the debate closed according to par- liamentary usages. The second part consists of questions for debate, with heads of arguments, for and against, given in a con- densed form for the speakers to enlarge upon to suit their own fancy. In addition to these are A Large Collection oC Debatable Questions. The authorities to be referred to for information are given at the close of every debate. By Frederic Rowton. 232 pages, paper 50 cts. Bound in boards, cloth back 75 cts. Dick's Commercial Letter Writer, and Book OF BusLv'EfS Forms. Containing entirely original Models of Letters on all business subjects, with appropriate replies ; also several specimens of Continuous Correspondence, exhibiting by a series of Letters, t-he progress and completion of Mercantile Transactions. This work includes corfect fcwms for Business Notices and Part- nership Announcements ; for Applications for Employment and neatly-worded Answers to Inquiries and Advertisements ; for occasional Circulars, properly displayed, and for Business Docu- ments, Mortgages, Assignments, Wills, Power of Attorney, Let- ters of Credit, &c., and the correct method of adjusting General and Particular Averages. It contains, in addition, a Glossary of Technical Terms used in commerce ; a rapid method of computing Interest ; a Table of Foreig:;! Coins in United States* Currency ; and other tiseful in- foranation. 8O0 pages, i6mo.,Boimd in boards. ...... ..,..••■•••••«-.• 50Ct& Sent Free of Postage on Receipt of Price. f~. „ — __^ Dick's Letter-Writer for Ladies. Containing more than five hundred entirely ojiginal Letters and Notes, wrt& appropriate answers, on all subjects and •occasion$ incident tO life ia G004 Society; inclcTTng specific iastrucsioos in ail the details of a well-written letter, and gfeneral Hints for conducting Polite Correspondence. Edited by Wm. B. Dick. These new and original Letters have been written expressly for this work in an easy and elegant style, furnishing excellent models which fulfill all the social, formal, and business conditions that occur in the Corr©" spondence of Ladies who move in refined society. 268 pages, large i6mo., Bound in boards, cloth back 50 cts» Dick's Mysteries of the Hand • or, Palmistry Made Easy. Translated and Arranged fi'om the French Works of Desbarrolles, d'Arpentigny, and De Para d^Hermes, This book is a concise summary of the elaborate works of the above* named authorities on Palmistry; it explains tha exact localities and mounts on the hand which were assigned by the Ancients to the Seven Planets, with the phases of temperament and influences at- tributed to each of them. It furnishes also numerous illustrations of the lines and typical formations of the hand and fingers, by which character can be discerned and destiny foretold with sur» prising accuracy. It is emphatically " Palmistry in a NutshelL" Illuminated paper cover .... sects, Dick's One Hundred Asiusements. For Even- ing Parties, Picnics and Social Gatherings. This book is full ol Original Novelties. It contains : New and Attractive Games? clearly illustrated by means of Witty Examples, showing how each may be most successfully played. Surprising Tricks, easy oji performance. Musical aad other innocent sells. A variety of new and ingenious Puzzles, Comical Illusions, fully described. Also an entirely new version of the celebrated " Mrs. Jar ley's Was Works." Illustrated by sixty fine wood engravings. Illu ainctGd fsaper covers....^.., ,b...^...»». 30 cts B<5.\»d iXi bpsf d^ -w'^i^ dcstb Ijack. c... ..,.-.. 50 &t&- The Bar-Tender's Guide; dr, How to Mix all kinds of Fancy Drinks. An entirely new and revised edition; containing clear and reliable directions for mixing all the bever- ages used in the United States. Embracing Punches, Juleps, Cobblers, Cocktails, etc., etc., in endless variety. By Jerry Thomas. With plain directions for making Syrups, Bitters, Cor- dials and Liqueurs, with the various harmless flavoring aad color* ing substances used in their preparation. Paper cover.... 5octs> Bound in cloth......... ,.,»»....,.........<......<.«««««» 75 cts. Sent Free of Postage on Receipt of Price. Pollard's Artistic Tableaux. With Pic- turesque Diagrams and Descriptions of Costumes. Text by Josephine Pollard ; arrangement of Diagrams by Walter Sat- terlee. Thitr excellent work gives all the necassary infonnatian in relation to the preparation of the stage, th« dressing aad grouping of the characters, and the method of arranging every- thing so as to produce the proper effects. Simple and easy of construction as tableaux appaar to be to those who sit before the curtain, anj' one who has assisted in their preparation knows that they must be well studied and carefully arranged in ordrt to produce really good and artistic effects. This manual is prepared with diagrams furnished by a distinguished artist who has had large experience in the arrangement of tableaux vivants. Oblong, paper covers. Price 30 cts. Day's American Ready-Reckoner. By B. H. Day. This Ready-Reckoner is composed of Original Ta- bles, which are positively correct, having been revised in the most careful manner. It is a book of 192 pages, and embraces more matter than 500 p^ges of any other Reckoner. It cor^ Cains : Tables for Rapid Calculations of Aggregate Values, Wages, Salaries, Board, Interest Money, etc. ; Tables of Tim- ber and Plank Measurement ; Tables of Board and Log Meas- urement, and a great variety of tables and useful calculations, which it would be impossible to enumerate in an advertisement of this limited space. All the information in this valuable book is given in a simple manner, and is made so plain, that any person can use it at once without any previous study or loss of time. Bound in boards, cloth back 50 cts. Kavanaugh's Comic Dialogues and Pieces FOR Little Children. Containing Short and Easy Original Pieces specially designed for Sunday-school and other Exhibi- tfcns ; and Christmas, May, and Similar Festival Occasions. By Mrs. Russell Kavanaugh. qfiSmo, paper cover 30 cts. Bound in boards 50 cts. How TO TAKE Money out of Wall Street. a system of operating on Wall Street, based upon the " Law of Average," which constitutes the fundamental principle by which Life Insurance becomes lucrative. By Jared Flagg, Jr. Showing how to derive a steady and large income with suffi- cient capital, and without risk of loss. It contains reliable Tables of the fluctuations of all the leading Stocks for the past ten years, upon which the averages are founded. CIoth.«5o cts. ^^ks sent Free of Postage at the Prices annexea, ©lex's Book of Toasts, Speeches and Respon- ses. Containing Toasts and Sentiments for Public and Social Oc casions, and specimen Speeches with appropriate replies suitable for alp(^ every possible occasion. This work includes an instruc- tive dis^erta^on on the Art of making amusing After-dinner ' Speedies, giving hints and directions by the aid of which persona with only ordinary intelligence can make an entertaining and tell* ing speech. Also, Correct Rules and Advice for Presiding at Table, The use of this work will render a poor and diffident speaker fluait and witty — ^and a good speaker better and wittier, besides afiford- ing an immense fund of anecdotes, wit and wisdom, and other ser* viccable matter to draw upon at will. Paper covers ...... 30 cts. Bound in boards, cloth back <>• 50 cts, Dick's Games of Patience ; or, Solitaire with Cards. New edition with Twenty new Games. Now containing Sixty-four Games. Illustrated with Fifty explanatory Tableaux. This treatise on Solitaire, a pastime which i$ steadily gaining is popularity, embraces a number oi new and original Games, and all the Games of Patience at present in favor with the most expe» rienced players. Each game is carefully and lucidly described, with the distinctive rules to be observed and hints as to the besj means of success in play. The Tableaux furnish efficient aid ia rendering the disposition of the cards necessary to each game plain and easily comprehensible. Quarto. 152 pages. Board cover. 75 cts. Cloth, gilt I1.00. Dick's Parlor Exhibitions, and How to Makf THEM SaccBSSFUU Containing complete and detailed directions for preparing and arranging Parlor Exhibitions and Amateur Per- formances. It includes. Tableaux Vivants, Living Portraits, Liv- ing Statuary, Dame History's Peep Show, Shadow Pantomimes, Popular Ballads illustrated by appropriate action. Charades of ail kinds. Parlor Pantomimes, Punch and Judy, and fifty other divert* iog parlor pastimes and amusements. It contains also a full Cata- logue of the celebrated " Art Exhibition." This work is tho- roughly practical, and gives the fullest instructions for preparing and lighting the stage, the construction of the Frames for Livikg Portraits, and shows how each performance can be presented with complete success. It is illustrated with numerous engravings explaining the text. 150 pages, paper cover 30 cts. Bound in boards, cloth back •••••........ 50 cts. Sent Free of Postage on Receipt of Price. Dick's Art of Gymnastics. Containing practical and progressive exercises applicable to all the prin- cipal apparatus of a well-appointed Gymnasium. Plainly de- scribed and profusely illustrated. By William B, Dick. This work is designed to convey thorough and practical instruction in the various exercises and evolutions adopted and taught by the leading Professors of Gymnastics at the present day ; and con- tains the fullest information in the following branches of the Art : Technical Terms, Free Exercises, Tumbling, The Leap- ing Pole, The Vaulting Horse, The Horizontal Bar, Vaulting over the Bar, The Parallel Bars, The Rings, The Row of Rings, The Trapeze, The Inclined Ladder. The exercises in each branch are, as far as possible, progressively arranged, tersely described, and so thoroughly illustrated that they are easily comprehended, and proficiency may be attained. Quarto i oo Ned Donnelly's Art of Boxing. A thor- ough Manual of Sparring and Self-Defense, illustrated with Forty Engravings, showing the various Blows, Stops, and Guards. By Ned Donnelly, Professor of Boxing to the Lon- don Athletic Club, etc., etc. This work explains in detail every movement of attack and defense in the clearest language, and in accordance with the most approved and modern meth- ods ; the engravings are very distinctly drawn, and show each position and motion as plainly as the personal instruction of a professor could convey it. It teaches all the feints and dodges practiced by experienced boxers, and gives advice to those who desire to perfect themselves in the Manly Art. 121 pages. Price 25 cts. Dick's Dumb-Bell and Indian-Club Exer- cises. Containing practical and progressive instruction in the use of Dumb-Bells and Indian-Clubs. Profusely illustrated, and very plainly explained. Paper covers 25 cts. Dick's Art of Wrestling. A Handbook of thorough instruction in Wrestling, with the accepted Rules to be observed in the different methods of Wrestling generally adopted at the present time. Fully illustrated by well-designed engravings, exhibiting all the aggressive and defensive posi- tions necessary for success. Paper covers 25 cts. Books sent Free of Postage at the Prices annexed. The Laws of Athletics. How to Preserve and Improve Health, Strength and Beauty ; and to correct Personal Defects caused by want of Physical Exercise. How to train for Walking, Running, Rowing, &c., with the systems and opinions oj the Champion Athletes of the world. Including the latest Laws of all Athletic Games and how to play them. By William Wood, Professor of Physical Training. Paper cover 25 eta Flexible cloth cover 50Ct% Dick's Irish Dialect Recitations. A care. fully compiled Collection of Rare Irish Stories, Comic, Poeticai f, and Prose Recitations, Humorous Letters and Funny Recitals, ali ' told with the irresistible Humor of the Irish Dialect. This col- lection contains, in addition to new and original pieces, all the very best Recitations in the Irish Dialect that can be gathered from Tk library of " Recitation " books. 170 pages, paper cover. 30 cts. Bound in boards, cloth back 50 ctSj iOiCK's Dutch, French and Yankee Dialect Recitations. An unsurpassed Collection of Droll Dutch Blun» ders. Frenchmen's Funny Mistakes, and Ludicrous and Extrava* gant Yankee Yams, each Recitation being in its own peculiar dia- lect. To those who make Dialect Recitations a speciality, this Col" lection will be of particular service. 170 pages, paper cover > 30 cts. Bound in boards 50 cts. Dick's Ethiopian Scenes, Variety Sketches AND Stump Speeches. Containing End- Men's Jokes, Negro In- terludes and Farces, Fresh Dialogues for Interlocutor and Baxjo, - New Stump Speeches, Humorous Lectures, Dialect Sketches and Eccentricities, Dialogues and Repartee for Interlocutor and Bones, Quaint Burlesque Sermons, Jokes, Quips and Gags. 178 pages, paper covers 30 cts. ; Bound in boards, cloth back ,. 50 cts. Tambo's End-Men's Minstrel Gags. A collec- tion of Ethiopian Dialogues, Plantation Scenes, Eccentric doings. Humorous Lectures, Laughable Interludes, End-Men's Jokes, Burlesque Speeches. Witticisms, Conundrums, Yarns, Plantation Songs and Dances, &c., &c. 144 pages, paper cover 30 cts. Bovmdin boards socti. Sent Free of Postage on Receipt of Price. Lester's * ' Look to the East. " (Webb Work. ) A Ritual of the First Three Degrees of Masonry. Containing tht complete work of the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Mastet Mason's Degrees, and their Ceremonies, Lectures, etc. Edited by I Ralph P. Lester. It gives dpening- and Closing the Lodge The EntireCeremonies of Initiating, in each Degree, Passingand RaisingCandidates, Calling O^ and Calling On, The Lectures all Ritually ai^d Calling the Lodge Up and Down, Monitorially Complete. Bound in cloth $2 00 Leather tucks (pocket-book style), gilt edges 2 50 Graham's School Dialogues for Young People, A new and original collection of Twenty-three Dialogues, intended for Anniversaries and Exhibitions. By George C . Graham. These dialogues have been written expressly to give advanced scholars an opportunity for displaying their dramatic powers and ingenuity; they are exceedinglyamuiing, and full of ludicrous and telling stage- situations. i6mo, 176 pages, illuminated paper cover 30 cts. Illuminated board cover 50 cts. Kavanaugh's Humorous Dramas for School Ex- hibitions AND Private Theatricals. By Mrs. Russell Kavan- augh. All original, and written expressly for School and Parlor performance. Bound in boards 50 cts- Paper covers 30 cts. ITow TO Write a Composition. This original work will be foimd a valuable aid in writing a composition on any topic It lays down plain directions for the division of a subject into its ap- propriate heads, and for arranging them in their natural order, com- mencing with the simplest theme, and advancing progressively to more complicated subjects. Paper 30 cts, B'>imdin boards, cloth back 5oc2x. B^udder Bones' Book of Stump Speeches and Bur-^ LESQUE Orations. Also containing Humorous Lectures, Ethiopiaa Dialogue's, Plantation Scenes, Negro Farces and Burlesques, Laugh- able Interludes and Comic Recitations. z88 page, paper covers 30Ct& Bound in boards, illuminated Soctpt Sent Free of Postage on Receipt of Price, Frost's Laws of American Etiquette ; or, By-Laws of American Society. A complete Treatise on Eti- quette. Containing plain and reliable Directions for Deport- ment in every Situation in Life. By S. A. Frost, author of " Frost's Letter-Writer," etc. This is a book of ready reference on the usasjes of Society at all times and on all occasions, and also a reliable guide in the details of deportment and polite behavior. Paper covers 30 dts. Frost's Original Letter Writer. A complete col- lection of Original Letters and Notes, upon every imaginable subject of Every-Day Life, with plain directions about everything connected with writing a letter. By S. A. Frost. To which is added a com- prehensive Table of Synonyms, alone worth double the price asked for the book. We assure our readers that it is the best collection Oi letters ever published in this country ; they are written in plain and natural language, and elegant in style without being high-flown. Bound in boards, cloth back, with illuminated sides 50 cti North's Book of Love Letters. With directions how to write and v;hen to use them, and 120 Specimen Letters, suit- able for Lovers of any age and condition, and under all circum* stances. Interspersed with the author's comments thereon. The whole forming a convenient Hand-book of valuable informatioQ and counsel for the use of those who need friendly advice in mat» ters of Love, Courtship and Marriage. Bound in boards. .... 50 cta^ Bound in cloth 75 cts;. How TO Shine in Society; or, The Science of Con- versation. Containing the principles, laws and general usages ot polite society, including easily applied hints and directions for com- mencing and sustaining an agreeable conversation, and for choosing topics appropriate to the time, place and company, thus affording immense assistance to the bashful and diffident. Paper covers. 25 cts. The Amateur Trapper and Trap-Maker's Guide. A complete and carefully prepared treatise on the art of Trapping, Snaring and Netting; containing plain directions for constructing the most approved Traps, Snares, Nets and Dead-Falls ; the best methods of applying them to their various purposes; and the most successful baits for attracting all kinds of Animals, Birds, etc., with their special uses in each case; introducing receipts for preparing Skins and Furs for Market. Large i6mo, paper covers 50 cts. B 50 cts. Sent Free of Postage on Receipt of Price. Scattergood's Game of Draughts, or Checkers, Simplififd and Explained. With practical Diagrams and Illustrations, together with a Checker-Board, numbered and printed in red. Containing the Eighteen Standard Games, with over 200 of the best variatioBS, selected from various authors, with some never before published. By D, Scattergood. Bound in cloth, with flexible covers. ..50 cts. Proctor's Draw Poker Principles and Chance Laws. An interesting Treatise on the grame of Draw Poker ; with practical remarks upon the Chances and Proba- bilities of the game, apd a critical analysis of the Theories and Statistics advanced by Blackbridge and other writers on the subject. By Rich Ai-d A. Proctor. Small quarto 15 cts. How GAMBLETi'ti Win ; or, The Secrets of Ad- vantage Playing Exposed. Being a complete and scientific cxpos^ of the manner of playing all the various advantages in Cards. i6mo, paper covers 30 cts. Boards, cloth back 50 cts. Spayth's American Draught Player ; or. The Theory and Practice of the Scientific Game of Checkers. Simplified and Illustrated with Practical Diagrams. Contain- ing upwards of 1,700 Games and Positions. By Henry Spayth. Sixth edition, with over 200 Corrections and Improvements. i2mo, cloth 300 Spayth's Draughts or Checkers for Be- ginners. Being a comprehensive Guide for those who desire to learn the Game. This treatise was written by Henrj' Spayth, the celebrated player, and is by far the most complete element- ary work on Draughts ever published. Cloth 75 cts. Marache's Manual of Chess. Containing Preliminary Games for Beginners, fifty Openings of Games, giving all the latest discoveries of modern masters, with best Games and Copious Notes, Endings of Games, numerous Problems, Diagrams, etc. By N. Marache. Cloth ... .50 cts. McLaren's Training in Theory and Prac- tice. Giving the best modern methods of Training for Ath- letic Sports and Exercises. Paper covers. 50 cts. GOOD BOOKS. Seixt Postage-Pfciid at th.e Prices Marked. ' < «■ Dick's Encyclopedia of Receipts and Processes $5.00 Dick's Art of Gymnastics 1.00 The Secret Out ; or, 1000 Tricks with Cards 1.5 The American Hoyle, the Standard Book of Games 1.50 Dick's Games of Patience; or, Solitaire with Cards 1.00 Spayth's American Draught Player 3.00 Spayth's Game of Draughts ... 1.50 Spayth's Draughts ; or, Checkers for Beginners 76 Scattergood's Checkers Simplified 50 Harache's Manual of Chess 50 Dick's Hand-Book of Cribbage 50 Dick's Hand-Book of Whist 25 Hoyle's Games, by "Trumps" • 50 Modern Whist, by "Trumps" 25 The American Card Player 50 Blackbridge' s Complete Poker Player • • • ■ 50 How Gamblers Win 50 Dick's Original Album Verses and Acrostics ^ 50 Dick's Book of Toasts, Speeches and Ilesponses 50 Barber's American Book of Beady-Made Speeches 50 How to Conduct a Debate 50 The Debater, Chairman's Assistant, and Rules of Order 50 North's Book of Love-Letters .50 Dick's Commercial Letter-Writer 50 Martine's Sensible Letter-Writer 50 Frost' s^ American Etiquette 50 Dick's Recitations and Readings— Series— each Vol .30 Brudder Bones' Stump-Speeches and Burlesque Orations 30 Dick's Mysteries of the Hand; or, Palmistry Made Easy 50 Day's American Ready-Reckoner .50 The Amateur Trapper and Trap-Maker's Guide 50 Dick's Quadrille Call-Book and Bail-Room Prompter 50 Converse's Banjo and How to Play It 50 The Art and Etiquette of Making Love .30 The Young Reporter; or. How to Write Short-Hand 50 COMPLETE DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE MAILED PREE. DICK & FITZG-ERALD, Publishers, p. O. Box 2975. NEW YORK. \p^^