I®™ 1 ^ruilfrmlfnHinmlfnJilfjifnfSn MJlg 1 1 1 P THE LIBRARIES n| n COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY [§j n 1 i i 1 — - - --.. IgJ j mi n Avery Library Hj li [a i i i i i i 1 i l JT. Tl 37 1 Practical House Builder CONTAINING FIFTY DESIGNS WITH PER¬ SPECTIVES, ELEVATIONS, FLOOR PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, ETC. OF HOUSES, FLATS, STABLES, AND CHURCHES, BEING COPIES FROM THE ORIGINAL PLANS FROM WHICH EVERY STRUCTURE WAS ACTUALLY BUILT. THE HOUSES CHIEFLY RANGE BETWEEN $ 450 . TO $ 5,000 IN COST. ALSO ALL NEEDED INFORMATION ABOUT THE PRACTICAL BUILDING OF A HOME USUALLY ONLY OB¬ TAINABLE BY EXPENSIVE EXPERIENCE. H. E. BURNHAM, Architect, Author and Compiler. Chicago Frederick J. Drake & Company Publishers COPYRIGHT, 1903 BY FREDERICK J. DRAKE & CO. CHICAGO, ILL,, U.S.A. 1 / Contents. To the Home Builder. Blue Prints. The House: Where, When, How and What to Build .. The Site. Excavation . Exteriors . Piazzas . Roofs . Interiors. Chimneys. Fireplaces . Mantels.:. Plastering . Doors and Windows . Closets . Dining Room. 7 8 9 13 14 15 17 17 18 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 Kitchen Bathrooms . Staircases . Basis of Cost .... Plans and Perspectives . 4 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS ILLUSTRATIONS OF BUILDINGS IN THIS WORK, THEIR NAMES AND COST TO BUILD. Page. Cost. 26—Foster-Munger.$3,000 28— The Terrace. 1,200 29— The Drake . 1,000 30— The Moseley. 1,500 32— The Pomeroy. 900 33— The Hannerty. 700 34— The Marshall. 600 36—The Maggie. 450- 36—The Katie. 400 38—The Rosed ale .*. 700 40—The Mineola. 1,200 42—The Russell . 1,200 44—The Chicago. 3,000 46—The Minneapolis . 2,000 48—The Glendora . 3,000 50—The River View. 1,700 52—The Weston . 1,000 54—The Schrott & Ahrens. 4,000 58—The Anderson . 6,200 62—The Riverside. 4,000 64—The Suburban. 3,500 66—The Jo Dixon. 3,500 68—Modern Home . .. 3,000 70—The Occident .. 2,000 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 5 72—The Gundernan. 1,800 74—Clark-Bennett . 2,500 76—The East Lake. 2,000 '78—The Canadian. 2,200 80—The Patterson . 1,700 82—The Norris. 1,800 84—The Northern. 2,700 86—The Virginia . 1,700 88—The Ravenswood. ' . 2,300 90—The National . 1,500 92—The Columbia . - . 2,000 94—The Magnolia. 2,000 96—The American . 1,100 98—The Johns . 900 100—The Linwood . 1,000 102—The Durstine. 1,640 104—Summer Cottage . 750 106—The Oakland . 1,000 108— The Kimball . 900 109— The Maywood . 1,500 110— The Idlewild . 2,500 112— Village Church . 7,500 113— The Church . 4,000 114— A Stable . 1,500 115— A Stable. ;.... 600 The House How When Where and What To Build BEING AN OUTLINE, BASED ON EXPERIENCE OF THINGS TO HAVE, TO DO, AND THOSE TO AVOID AND TO LEAVE UNDONE. A GUIDE TO DOLLAR SAVING AND COMFORT GAINING. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 7 To the Home Builder. To build successfully even an unpretentious . house requires a deal of crystallized common sense, average good taste and perhaps a little more money than you have planned to spend. In the pages which follow there are hints and suggestions gleaned from a long experience in home building. “What not to do/’ it is hoped, will be learned from their perusal. The many designs, with perspectives, eleva¬ tions, floor plans, specifications, etc., are all re¬ productions from the original plans by which houses have been actually built in America from ocean to ocean. The expense of their construc¬ tion has been carefully compiled- after the houses were finished. The designs were originally drawn by eminent architects in almost every state. These plans found almost instant favor with the many thou¬ sand architects, contractors and builders who critically examined them as they appeared from time to time in a standard building journal. The plans are introduced by tersely written suggestions as to how a home may be built, com¬ bining beauty of design with economy, durability and convenience of construction. Safety from fire, protection to health and re¬ gard for the solid comfort of the occupants are 8 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. features brought out in the light of the knowl¬ edge of a new century. The book will be found complete and of almost indispensable value to any one seeking up-to- date, authentic information upon the fascinating problem of house building. More pretentious and expensive works have long been on the market. None are so well adapted to the requirements of the modern aver¬ age person as Burnham’s Practical House Builder. SPECIAL NOTICE. All blue prints specified in this volume will be furnished by the publisher postpaid to any ad¬ dress in the United States or Canada upon re¬ ceipt of prices stated. FREDERICK J. DRAKE & CO., Publishers. Chicago, Ill. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 9 The House: When, Where, How and What to Build. Most persons build a home but once in a life¬ time. Few men of average intelligence exist who do not feel that they can build a house a litt’e better than has been done by others. The rented houses in which they live, the building they may have bought, convince them that they possess an in¬ herent ability to build an ideal house which shall be a thing of beauty and a joy forever, yet costing less than the buildings they find so easy to criti¬ cise. In most American households the father and mother plan to some day put up the house which shall embody their ideals. This dream is becom¬ ing daily a reality, with the prosperity now pre¬ vailing throughout our land, and in presenting to the public a new book of building plans the pub¬ lishers claim that this volume differs in marked degree from anything heretofore obtainable. It has been said that “fools build houses for wise men to live in.” It is certain that in many instances great bargains can be secured in the purchase of homes ready made and sacrificed be¬ cause of costly errors made by overconfident own¬ ers. It is questionable, however, which is the 10 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. greater fool of the two—the man who builds an inconvenient, irrational buijding or the one who buvs it of him after it is finished. •/ Unless an architect or builder by instinct or profession, he is sure to make serious mistakes and to overlook many things which would tend to the comfort and safety of himself and his family. The compiler of these exceptional building de¬ signs has made a study of construction for sev¬ eral decades and has preserved memorandums of details and points which commended themselves only to eliminate some, as in practical experience they were found wanting. He has endeavored to give in the few pages which precede the tested building designs which follow, the results of his labor as he has used them in a home which, if he had to rebuild, would be erected in the same man¬ ner. Expert testimony has been studied in the en¬ deavor to obtain a practical basis for the outlines of construction which follow. The writer realizes that these designs will be used by home builders to whom technical terms and architectural prin¬ ciples will not appeal with especial weight. He has sought, therefore, to avoid the professional color which generally only confuses the average seeker for practical points. The chief ideas sought for by the contemplat¬ ing builder of a house relate to the questions which can be covered by answers to the little words of where, why, of what, when, how and cost. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 11 Mistakes in the building of houses are not al¬ ways limited in their consequences to the amount of money which might have been saved by better forms of construction and wiser methods of se¬ lecting sites and material.* The plans and speci¬ fications are based only on the best work and ma¬ terials, such as are generally' used in large and ex¬ pensive buildings. They may be readily adapted to smaller and cheaper buildings. It has been assumed that the home builder is the one for whom this book has been prepared. The shoddy contractor, the tricky promoter or unscrupulous builder will find little of interest in this book. There is always economy and permanent comfort in honest work and standard building materials. In exceptional cases the home builder can super¬ intend the work after the architect has carefully drawn his specifications, care being taken to often consult this architect, who will be found to be a clear money saving proposition in the case of any house involving an outlay of $ 2,000 or more. Amateurs usually vainly imagine the superin¬ tendence of the actual work of building an easy task. Some one must be on the ground daily to see that every detail is attended to. Defective work is soon covered up if the contractor is dis¬ honest, and that part of house construction which *Loss of health, lack of ordinary comfort and death it¬ self ofttimes invade the home because of ignorance or lack of proper consideration of the elements which combine to make a house a haven of rest and castle of contentment. 12 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. is eventually out of sight is where fatal and ex¬ pensive errors most occur. Even honest mis¬ takes sometimes get to a point where correction is difficult, perhaps impossible. I have availed myself liberally of the advice of a sensible, practical woman, a thorough house¬ keeper and a loving home lover, in arranging these plans. Before any rough sketch of a pro¬ posed house be submitted to an architect it will be found the part of wisdom to consult such house mothers, and they dwell everywhere. Her experienced eye will discover defects which would never occur to the worse half of humanity. She occupies the house most of her hours, and this knowledge of what is needed for comfort and con¬ venience will be found priceless. Deliberation over the important question of home building is most essential. Make your rough plans of rooms, talk them over with friends and then it is usual to do as you please, but you are sure to imbibe some valuable ideas. It will be needless to consult an architect until you have fairly well perfected your ideas. It is not wise to get an estimate of the proposed cost of a build¬ ing until the plans and specifications are com¬ plete. Frequently hundreds of dollars can be saved in material by taking advantage of circum¬ stances such as often occur through business fail¬ ures, etc., by never building in a hurry. Ordering goods ahead of time or combining an order with PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 13 another home builder often results in money sav¬ ing. It is an excellent plan to grade a lot and lay foundation a year previous to the building of the superstructure. If you employ an architect be frank and loyal with him. Make no changes in the plan with con¬ tractors except in the presence of the architect. Architects are sometimes sticklers for the ethics of the profession, but it is well to cater to this weakness. Above all, see that written agreements are made. Keep constantly before you the knowl¬ edge that verbal contracts are valueless in point of law. The plans, specifications and all details of construction form a part of a building contract and should be signed by all parties. Look well to the making of an equitable contract. Half the troubles over “extras” could be avoided if the contract and specifications were explicit, and omit nothing which would define the duty of the owners on the one hand or insure honest work and good construction by the contractor on the other. The Site. —If the land is level and well drained little need be done in the way of grading except to dig the cellar. Great care should be had that the land is properly surveyed as to building lines, sidewalk levels, etc. The question of city per¬ mits, building restrictions, etc., can be answered by your architect, and such information should 14 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. be yours before any steps are taken toward build¬ ing a home. If the building lot is on a hillside the grading, terracing, etc., should generally be done while excavating for the cellar. For a house on a hill keep in mind that the style of building should be wide rather than deep. Economy in erecting walls and sod work is conserved. In general where width of lot permits build wide rather than deep. It means more sunlight and fresh air. A house two or at most three rooms deep has some evident advantages. A south or eastern exposure is usually regarded preferable, but if your kitchen dining room, bathroom and a bedroom or two can have one or both of these frontages the rest of the arrangement is not dif¬ ficult. Excavation. —Excavation for buildings must al¬ ways be sufficiently deep to insure against the action of frost—an average of four feet. Greater depth must be determined by the requirements of basement, cellar and the nature of the soil to be built upon. It is well to have a cellar under the entire house. The expense is but a trifle more than to dig a smaller cellar. The added stor¬ age room—never unavailable—is important, and better ventilation as well as drvness for the house m/ itself ■ are secured. A cellar ceiling should be nearly if not quite 8 feet high, and it will be found desirable to put on metallic lathing, even if it be not at once plastered. Most fires in dwellings PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 15 start from the cellar. The walls should be white¬ washed with two good coats of lime-wash. A cement floor is almost essential, and if the sur¬ rounding soil is at all damp, heavy sized paper and asphalt under the concrete is an economical precaution. Blind drains around the foundation are desirable. It is really mistaken economy to lay cellar walls in anything else than cement mor¬ tar, or to neglect the cement floor. The old say¬ ing that a wet cellar is better than a damp one is based on scientific truth. Let the building speci¬ fications provide for coalbins, closets, milkroom, etc. These things cost little if added to original estimate, but are found expensive to add after¬ wards. Look well to your foundations. Do not permit any but competent stonemasons at¬ tempt this important work. On all walls below ground only cement mortar should be used. Stone is usually regarded preferable to brick for foun¬ dations below ground. If you cannot afford a stone or brick foundation for the house, it would be far better to defer building at all in most cases. The Exterior. —It is the generally accepted opinion that, all things considered, the healthiest dwelling house for the climate of the United States, especially in localities near to large bodies of water, is of frame. The possibilities of ele¬ gant simplicity in the use of brick, the growing uses of terra cotta blocks are interesting subjects, but as the plans which largely fill this work re- 16 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. late to frame construction, the balance of these suggestions have to do with houses of that class. There will be little said regarding purely orna¬ mental architecture, for tastes vary so much in this direction. It will be found well to build the first floor high above the street level, even if the ground be terraced up. The effect is always dig¬ nified and gives an appearance of ownership not in houses on level with the sidewalk. In the painting of houses the perverted, provincial or selfish tastes of local painters are too often per¬ mitted. The graduating of colors and their har¬ monious effects deserve close study, for they can be made in a measure to represent the owner's individuality. Conventional colors and tints are safe, but there is a growing desire for originality. Varying shades of red are being more used, with results that frequently suggest an elegance of interior. Shingled sided houses have some points of advantage. If handsomely constructed they may be regarded stylish, yet to some persons they present only a seashore or temporary appearance to a house. Narrow siding is always in good taste. Back plastering and building paper is an essential in making a house cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The fire-resisting qualities of ordinary frame or brick buildings need far more attention than they have heretofore received from the home builder. At present a dwelling of average construction PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 17 once on fire is seldom saved. Precautions can be made without great expense to prevent this almost criminal loss of life and property. Fire stops in hollow partitions, floors, etc., stopping drafts by cutting off air passages when building, metallic lathing or ceilings, fireproof material be¬ tween floors, such as salamander or asbestos, would prove of inestimable advantage. A stand¬ pipe and hose are not a heavy expense and would have saved many a house that has gone up in flames before the fire department could arrive. Piazzas. —Piazzas should be wide, not less than 12 feet on an average sized house. It will not cost much more than a narrower one and will add materially to the pleasure of the home. It is well to carry them for a short distance around each side of the house, as well as the front of it, so as to secure sheltered nooks, no matter how the winds may blow or sun may shine. In finishing the ceilings, eaves and fascia of the piazza rest¬ ing places should be avoided where birds, espe¬ cially sparrows, would be apt to make nests. Roofs.— Pitch roofs should be securely braced and supported. “Flashing” means the sheet metal used on roofs where there are angles or valleys in which the shingles or slate come in contact with a chimney or dormer window. It should be of copper, not tin or galvanized iron. Gutters ought to be also of copper or of wood, metallic lined. Slate, tile, tin or copper roofs are the best 18 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. for the higher priced houses, but a good shingled roof, if properly laid, meets the requirements of most cases. Shingles of “first quality” of cedar or cypress are the best. They can be laid in lime mortar to advantage, making a cooler, more de¬ sirable roof, and in a sense a fireproof one. Avoid ■ basswood shingles. Be sure that the attic in the peak of the roof is well ventilated. Do not be led into unnecessary expense by the use of much fancy work in the way of scroll work on top of roofs and piazza or around the eaves and bays. It is not in accord with modern good taste and serves only to catch dirt and become the home of insects and birds. The Interior. —The woodwork, of course, is the most important branch of the interior, and much depends upon having an honest, skillful builder. Well seasoned material is essential; time sea¬ soned lumber is better than kiln-dried, yet under modern conditions kiln-dried lumber is almost equal to nature’s product. For floor beams Geor¬ gia yellow pine is the best material, and perhaps well worth the difference in cost, but spruce or hemlock is usually employed. Double floors have i every advantage. In floors hemlock or other cheap wood can be used, but with the modern ideas of rugs, etc., floors are largely laid in hard woods or southern pine. Frequently the main portion of the center of the room is made with cheaper wood and a wide border of oak or maple PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 19 used Deadening floors so as to prevent sound from traveling from story to story is a desirable feature to adopt. A mixture of cement, sand and cinders is excellent, or mineral wool can be used without much cost. Chimneys.—All chimneys should be built from the ground; the walls should be 8 inches in thick¬ ness and lined with a burnt clay or terra cotta floor lining. Do not permit a “half brick’’ chim¬ ney to be put in under any pretext unless you are willing to risk the lives of your family. The number of chimneys and fireplaces should be care¬ fully decided before getting any estimate of cost. If a stove is placed in a room in which there is no smoke flue and the stovepipe has to pass through a lath and plaster partition to connect with one great care is needed to make it safe. A smoke pipe guard'casing not less than 8 inches in diam¬ eter greater than the pipe and perforated with holes should be used. Stovepipes should be dis¬ tant at least 6 inches from wood. Remember that where metal is used to protect wood there should be an air space between the metal and woodwork. Fireplaces. —Fireplaces in nearly every room will be found true economy. For heating a room in an emergency they are most convenient, and they are desirable for purposes of ventilation. Be sure that your builder understands the impor¬ tance of building fireplaces and flues correctly, as smoking chimneys are common faults and have i 20 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. tended to make fireplaces less popular than they should be. Mantels. —Wooden mantels are now so beauti¬ fully made that they answer every purpose. Be sure that they do not project so far as to be ig¬ nited or blistered by the fire. This is a glaring fault of most of them. Plastering. —Metallic lathing costs more than the other style, but it insures better safety from fire, discourages rats, mice and other vermin and insures stronger plaster work. Patent plas¬ ters are preferable to the old fashioned plaster, with cattle or goats’ hair, especially if the work is to be done by not overcompetent plasterers. Doors and Windows. —If economy is necessary doors and windows should be of “stock” sizes— i. e., the regular sizes made by the mills of the vicinity in which the dwelling is to be located. Have plenty of windows. Architects are prone to omit them for effect. The commercial selling value of a house is always enhanced by having an abundance of windows. A window or two of ex¬ tra large size and of plate glass will add still more to this value. See that your windows come up well to the ceiling in order to aid ventilation. The bottom of the glass in a sash should be higher from the floor than 34 inches. In planning win¬ dows and doors to bedrooms care should be given to the matter of light and drafts. Many hand¬ some houses have bedrooms so injudiciously PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 21 planned as to leave no good place for a bed to stand. An easy way of arranging for bedstead, bureau, etc., in rooms is to cut pieces of cardboard of the proper size according to the scale of the room. These bits of card will represent exact size of bedstead, etc., and can be moved about on the architect’s floor plan to determine the location of windows, doors, gas brackets, etc. Closets. —Practical housekeepers say that a house cannot have too many closets. Ventilate with small windows whenever possible. Never have doors opening into a closet which destroy half the hanging room. Examine the plans and see that hooks are placed at the proper distance from the floor and that the shelves above them are started properly in a way to admit of re¬ moving garments. Have ceilings of same height as the room. Attention to these little things will save you quite a bill of extras. Dining Room .—In some sections of America this room should be placed on the coolest side of the house. In most places near the coasts and in the northern central west the sunniest side, with at least two exposures, will be found most desirable, taking all the months into considera¬ tion. Arrange that the dining room, kitchen and bathroom get the brightest, breeziest and sun¬ niest exposures, and the health and happiness of the family is best conserved. Get the best view obtainable for this social center. Don't have the 22 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. kitchen toa near. The heat and odors should be kept away. Double doors or a short passage will secure this result in a measure. Kitchen. —See that this room gets all the light and ventilation obtainable. Doors and windows on three sides if possible. A cheerful, convenient kitchen renders housekeeping a delight and mini¬ mizes the “servant girl problem.” Run up your kitchen windows high, so that the hot air can pass out at these points. The doors should be low to let in the outside and cooler air. The tem¬ perature of the room can be much improved by use of a heat and odor extinguisher hood. Thor¬ ough ventilation can be provided for in the plans with but slight cost. In fact, it' will not add to the cost of the chimney, for the bricks saved will offset the expense of arranging the flue. Upon a hot day 15 to 20 degrees of temperature will be saved by this precaution. Bathrooms.—Bathrooms should be wainscoted to a height of four feet. Varnished yellow pine is an excellent substitute for tiling. Enameled iron or porcelain tubs are now almost universally used. Specify that the outside of the iron tub be painted. A hardwood floor for this room is desirable. Most bathrooms are far too small. Plenty of hooks for clothes and room for chairs, dressers, etc., will be found desirable. A separa¬ tion of bathrooms from water closets has some manifest advantages. An entrance to the latter PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 23 both from bathroom and hall will be found a con¬ venience. A toilet room on the first floor with a window in it is a luxury well worth the cost. Staircases.— Build your staircases wide. The rear ones should be as wide if not wider than the front and more ornamental staircase. With these rear staircases four feet or more wide trunks, fur¬ niture, etc., can be carried up. If arranged for in the first estimates of builders it will not materially add to the expense of the building. Staircases can be made practically fire resisting if the space between stringers, lower joists and of landings is “plugged” solid with mortar and the spaces be¬ tween stringers closed at intervals of three feet by fire stop of such material. Miscellaneous.— The arrangement of parlors, libraries and bedrooms is so much a mat'ter of in¬ dividual taste that suggestions are scarcely val¬ uable. For anything but the smallest, houses stoves should be avoided. Don’t make the mis¬ take of putting in a furnace too small. It is bet¬ ter to force a large volume of warm air into a house than a small volume of very hot air. Steam heat with radiators will add about 75 per cent more than hot air and a hot water system will double the cost of furnace heating. Basis of Cost.— The figures shown below house plans are roughly approximate. These homes have been built during the past fifteen years in all parts of the country, and some of them under con- 24 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. ditions very unfavorable for securing material and labor at average prices. In other instances both material and labor were obtained at excep¬ tionally low figures. These estimates are the merest hints, and the only way for a prospective home builder to arrive at facts is to select some¬ thing which pleases his fancy, study his local con¬ ditions, alter the published plans to meet his in¬ dividual tastes and requirements, and then con¬ sult with an honorable, competent architect or master builder. Little has been said about plumb¬ ing. It is now a science. Put in the very best you can afford and you will never regret the ex¬ perience. Keep in mind that gas fixtures, shades, ranges, pumps, parquette flooring, walks, fences, cisterns, catch basins, sheds, sodding, etc., are matters outside of the cost of building the house \ proper, as shown in the following plans. Blanks for bills of material, specifications, etc., can be had of your architect, builder or from the pub¬ lishers of this work, Fred’k J. Drake & Co., Chicago. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. Plans and Perspectives 26 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER, No. 14. Foster-Munger. Frame 34x40. Eight ^ooms closets, bath, attic, etc. Cost, $3,000. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 27 I No. 14. Foster-Hunger. Blue prints, $8.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, *4 scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 28 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER Frame, 24x36. Five rooms, closets, balcony, portico, etc. Cost, $1,500. Blue prints, cost $4,00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. *ry"* PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES 29 No. 88. “The Drake.” Frame, 24x28. Four rooms, closets, vestibule, etc. Cost, $1,000. Blu-e prints, price $2.50 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. No. 90. “Moseley.” Frame, 20x36. Five rooms, vestibule, closets, Cost, $1,500. etc. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES 31 No. 90. Seoond Story Plan “Moseley.” Blue prints, price, $3.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, % scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. iS. 4 32 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER No. 91. “The Pomeroy.” Frame, 24x28. Three rooms and closet. Cost, $900. Floor Plan Blue prints, price, $2.50 tro' PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 33 No. 92. “Hannerty.” Frame, 26x40. Four rooms, hall, closets, etc. Cost, $700. T j 0 . fC o o j L. Blue prints, $3.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, % scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 34 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. No. 93. “Marshall.” Frame. 20x24. Three rooms, halls, closets, bay window Cost, $600, PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 35 Floor pi/\N Blue prints, price $2.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, % scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 36 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. No. 102. “Maggie.” Frame, 20x28. Four rooms and pantry. Cost, $450, Front Elevation. No. 112. “Katie Cottage.” Frame, 20x28. Three rooms and pantry. Cost, $400 PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 37 Blue prints for both, price $3.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, % scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 38 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. Frame, 21x21. Three rooms and pantry. Cost, $700. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 39 FLOOR PLAN No. 107. » “Rosedale.” Blue prints, price $3.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, Vx scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. it) 41 PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 41 “No. 129. “Mineola No. 1.” Blue prints, price $3.00. 42 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER No. 133. “The Russell.” Frame, 22x36. Seven rooms, tower, halls, closets, etc Cost, $1,200(5)1,400. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 43 No. 133. “The Russell." Blue prints, price $3.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, % scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 44 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER No. 136. “Chicago.” Frame, 26x44. Eight rooms, halls, closets, etc. Designed especially for country or suburban residence. Cost, $3,000. PLANS' AND PERSPECTIVES. 45 No. 136. “Chicago.” Blue prints, price $6.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, *4 scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 4A PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. No. 138. “Minneapolis.” Frame, 22x34. Seven rooms, halls, closets, Cost, $ 2,000 PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 47 No. 138. “Minneapolis.’' Blue prints, price $4.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, % scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 48 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER No. 141. “Glen Flora.” Frame, 32x58. Eight rooms, closets, halls, hath, Wy windows, etc. Cost, $3,000. Blue prints, price $5.00 50 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. No. 170. “Riverview.” Frame. Stone foundation. Eight rooms, bath, etc. Cost, $1,700. • V'b PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES 51 No. 170. “Riverview.” Blue prints, price $4.00. 52 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER, No. 174. '‘Weston/' Frame, 22x36. Five rooms, closets, vestibule, veranda, etc. Cost, 1,000 PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. Blue prints, price $3.50. 4 : Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 54 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER, No. 2. “Schrcth & Ahrens.” Frame, 32x48. Stone basement and cellar. Eight rooms, baths, halls, closets, etc. All modern improvements. Cost, $4,000. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 56 l PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. Blue prints, price $6.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, % scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 58 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. No. 4. “Anderson.” Brick, stone and frame, 40x54. Nine rooms, bath, clos ets, halls, etc. All improvements. Cost, $6,200. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 59 No 4. “Hyde Park Villa.” Blue prints, price $4.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 60 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. No. 4. “Hyde Park Villa.” Blue prints, price $4.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, *4 scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 62 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. ®jtnptuuj|§ "No. 8. “Riverside.” Frame, 35x42. Eight rooms, closets, bath, etc. Cost, $4,000. / I FLANS AND PERSPECTIVES 6 ? Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, % scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. Hi couU I' I 64 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER 1 No. 16. “Suburban.” Frame, 32x54. Nine rooms bath, closets, cellar, attic, eto. Cost, $3,500. CrlRLb ROOM PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES 63 « Blue prints, price $8.00. 66 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER No. 17. ^Jo. Dixon.” Frame, 36x50. Nine rooms, bath, closets, halls, stone cellar, bay windows, etc. Cost, $3,500. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 67 / Blue prints, price $4.00. 68 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER No. 19. “Modern Home.” Brick and stone, 22x44. Sixteen rooms, closets, bath All improvements. Cost, $3,000. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 69 Blue prints, price $4.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, % scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 70 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER No. 20. “Occident.” Brick and terra cotta, 22x43. Cellar, six rooms, closets, halls, bath and attic. Cost, $2,000. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 71 No. 20. “Occident.” Blue prints, price $4.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, % scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 72 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. Brick, 22x34. Six rooms, high basement, closets, bath etc. Cost, $1,800. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 73 No. 25. “Gunderman.” Blue prints, price $8.00. ' f ' Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, *4 scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 2.* FLOOR PLAN 74 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER No. 28. “Clark-Bennett.” * Frame, 24x30. Five rooms, closets, bath, halls and cellar. Cost, $2,500 PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES 75 Second Floor Plan. 76 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER Frame, 32x42. Eight rooms, halls, closet, hath and hay window. Cost, $2,000. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 77 No. 31. “Eastlake.” Blue prints, price $4.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, % scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 78 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. No. 32. “Canadian.” Frame, 26x42. Seven rooms, closets, halls, bath and bay. Cost, $2,200. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 79 No. 32. “Canadian/' Blue prints, price $8.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, ^4 ** 9 seale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 80 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER Brick, 22x30. Cellar, six rooms, closets, etc. Cost, $1,700 PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 81 Blue prints, price $8.00. % Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, % scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 22 FLOOR PLAN 82 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. No. 38. “Norris.” Stone and frame, 26x40. Seven rooms, Closets, bath halls, etc. Cost, $1,800. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 83 1 i No. 38. “Norris.” Blue prints, price $8.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, X A scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 84 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER No. 40. “Northern." Frame, 32x42. Seven rooms, brick cellar, bath, attic, etc. Cost, $2,700 PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 85 No. 40. “Northern.” Blue prints, price $4.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, ^ scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 86 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER Frame, 20x42. Six rooms, closets, attic, etc. Cost, $1,700 PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 87 No. 42. “Virginia." I Blue prints, price $3.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, ^4 scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 2nd Floor Plan ' 1 'liiisren ' 1st Floor Plan. 88 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER Frame, No. 43. “Ravenswood.” 24x42. Eight rooms, hath, closets, bay, etc. Cost, $2,300 PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 89 No. 43. “Ravenswood.” Blue prints, price $5.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, *4 scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. 1K0N9 ru* 90 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER No. 44. “National.” . - Fra-tie, 24x28. Four rooms, closets, etc. Cost, $1,500. 07 PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. No. 44. “National.” Blue prints, price $4.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, ^ scale on heavy paper, reaa>’ wora TTvrr*-. SECOND FLOOR PLAN. 92 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER, No. 46. “Columbia.” Frame, 28x40. Seven rooms, closets, bath, etc. Cost, $2,000 PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 9S Blue prints, price $4.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, *4 scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. FIR** FLOOR, 94 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER r No. 43. “Magnolia.” Southern Home. Frame, 28x44. Six rooms, closets. bath, long, wide veranda. Cost, $2,000. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 95 Blue prints, price $4.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, % scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. •ccoRD>ru>Ofl PkA*t , pipit, noon pim 96 PRACTICAL HOUSE BUILDER. Frame, 20x30. Four rooms, bath, closets, etc. Cost, $1,100. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, 14 scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. FIRST FLOOR PUu/^rJ <5£0. n, OK.VitV. Ai-CtlKH- Blue prints, price $2.00. Blue prints are duplicates of architects tracings, *4 scale on heavy paper, ready to work from. PLANS AND PERSPECTIVES. 115 - - - n i^mumi') I'7i' L n L - |I1P W] CUUidpBlMuilu ji „">J - - 1 - WM No. 124. “Stable.” Frame, 16x28. Three stalls, complete. Cost, $600. Blue prints, price $3.00. Blue prints are duplicates cf architects tracings, % scale cn heavy paper, ready to work from. CATALOGUE OF FREDERICK J. DRAKE & COMPANY PUBLISHERS. 2JJ-213 HAST MADISON ST„ CHICAGO. j TPON receipt of the price, any book advertised in the following pages will be sent by mail, postage paid, to any Post Office in the United States, Canada, or the Universal Postal Union. As to our financial standing-, we respectfully refer you to any bank or business house in Chicago. Not Respopnsible for Money or Books sent by Mail, unless Registered. Parcels will be registered on receipt of Ten Cents .in addition to the amount of the order. No orders whatever will be filled unless suf¬ ficient money accompanies them. Write your name plainly. Give full Address, with Post Office, County and State. A complete Descriptive Catalogue will be mailed free on application. Send for it. We will be pleased to consider for publication any manuscripts sent us. We desire one or more good agents to represent our books in every county in the United States. Write us for terms, etc. HOW TO SEND MONEY. In remitting by mail, the safest means are a Post Office or Express Money Order, or a Draft on New York or Chicago, payable to Frederick J. Drake & Company. When these are not procurable. Cash may be sent in a Registered Letter. Unused United States postage stamps of the denomination of ten cents or under will be received as cash in amounts less than one dollar. Soiled stamps, or stamps other than those of the United States, and personal checks or drafts on local banks cannot be accepted. CATALOGUE OF F. J. DRAKE & CO. Frederick J. Drake & Company’s CATALOGUE OF Standard Up=to=Date Hand Book. 4 * on the following Subjects: Dialogues, Recitations, Tableaux, Charades, Pantomimes, Mock Trials, Monologues, Drills, Marches, Minstrel and Entertainment Boohs, Magic, Palmistry, Hypnotism, Black 4rt, Electricity, Speakers, Poultry, Letter Writers, Dream Boohs, Fortune Tellers, Popular Dramas, Photography, Etiquette, Dancing, Etc., Etc., Etc., Etc. Each book in this list is the work of a com¬ petent specialist, and will be found reliable, practical and thoroughly up-to-date. Any Booh Advertised in This Catalogue Sent, Postpaid, on Receipt of Price. FREDERICK J. DRAKE .25 Cents Cloth, Gold Titles..*.50 Cents NORTH’S BOOK OF LOVE LETTERS. With directions how to write and when to use them. By Ingoldsby North. This is a branch of correspondence which fully demands a volume alone to provide for the various phases incident to Love, Courtship and Marriage. Few persons, how¬ ever otherwise fluent with the pen, are able to ex¬ press in words the promptings of the first dawn of love, and even, the ice broken, how to follow up a correspondence with the dearest one in the whole world and how to smooth the way with those who need to be consulted in the matter. It also contains the Art of Secret Writing. The language of Love portrayed, and rules in grammar. 160 pages. Paper Covers.25 Cents Cloth. 50 Cents PRACTICAL ETIQUETTE. A strictly modern book on politeness. Just what one needs to keep in touch with what is “Correct” at the present time. Hints on politeness and good breeding, sensible talks about etiquette for home, visiting, sensible talks about parties, evening en¬ tertainments, social intercourse, dress, etc. No part in daily conduct has been omitted. The im¬ mense popularity of this little book is attested by its enormous sales. It is an invaluable adjunct to any home and will be found exceedingly helpful in the hands of parents and teachers as well as youne- people, of both sexes. 160 pages. Paper Covers.25 Cents Cloth, Gold Titles.50 Cents DRAKE EDITIONS FILL THE WANT. STANDARD DRILL & MARCHING BOOK. By Edwin Ellis. Containing an endless variety of new, original drills and marches for young peo¬ ple. Each being illustrated with diagrams easy to understand. No form of entertainment has proved itself more Amusing, Healthful or Pop\xlar than “Standard Drills and Marches.” The author has included all of the very latest and most amus¬ ing drills and marches known. 160 pages, 30 illus¬ trations. Illustrated Paper Covers.25 Cents Cloth Covers, Gold Titles.50 Cents. ZANCIG’S NEW COMPLETE PALMISTRY. The only authorized edition published. By Prof, and Mme. Zancig. Here we hg,ve the simplest presentations of tne Science of Mpdern Palmistry. All of the discoveries, investigations and researches of centuries are summed up in this practical treat¬ ise on Palmistry. There is no trait, no character¬ istic, no inherited tendency that is not marked on the palm of the hand, and can be traced with un¬ erring accuracy by following the principles and in¬ structions laid down in this book. 200 pages; 86 fine illustrations. N. B.—Other editions bearing the name of Zancigs are not authorized by them. Paper Covers. .25 Cents Cloth, Titles in Gold.50 Cents THE GYPSY WITCH DREAM BOOK. This is the most complete dream book published. It contains an alphabetical list of dreams on every subject, including the lucky numbers, given names of both males and females and their numbers. Birthdays and their significance, Lucky Days, Rules to learn the number of oaddles Gigs, and Horses in any given row of numbers, and what amount they will bring, Combination Tables, etc. It is the most reliable and authentic dream book ever published; the gathering of the material alone has occupied years of careful research. 208 pages. Paper Covers.25 Cents Cloth.50 Cents Any book in this list sent postpaid to any address upon receipt of price. Complete Catalogue sent free. FREDERICK J. DRAKE & CO., Publishers 2JI-2I3 EAST MADISON ST., CHICAGO DRAKE'S AMUSEMENT BOOKS AND PLAYS ARE THE BEST MADE. COMIC RECITATIONS AND READINGS. A new volume of Comic Readings and Recita¬ tions, compiled and edited by Charles Walter Brown, A. M., many of which have never been before published in book form. Its contents com¬ prise some of the best efforts of such world-re¬ nowned humorists as Mark Twain, Josh Billings, Artemus Ward, Ezia Kendall, Bret Harte, Bill Nye, Ben King, Geo Thatcher, Lew Doc.kstader, Wm. S. Gilbert, James Whitcomb Riley and others. This is an unequaled collection of the most amus¬ ing, eccentric, droll and humorous pieces, suitable for recitations in schools, drawing-room entertain¬ ments and amateur theatricals. 200 pages. Paper Covers.....25 Cents Cloth, Gilt Titles.50 Cents PATRIOTIC READINGS AND RECITATIONS By Josephine Stafford. This is the choicest, new¬ est and most complete collection of Patriotic reci¬ tations published, and includes all of the best known selections, together with the best utter¬ ances of all eminent statesmen. Selections for Decoration Day, Fourth of July, Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays, Arbor Day, Labor Day, and. all other Patriotic occasions- There are few things more popular during Na¬ tional Holidays than entertainments and exhibi¬ tions, and there is scarcely anything more difficult to procure than new and meritorious material ap¬ propriate for such occasions. This book will fill every want. 200 pages. Paper Covers. Cloth, Gilt Titles. 25 Cents 50 Cents LITTLE FOLKS’ SPEAKER By Chas. Walter Brown, A. M. Containing cute and catchy pieces for recitations by small children of ten years and much younger, including Speeches of Welcome and short Epilogues for opening and closing Children’s Entertainments. The subjects are such as delight the infantile mind, and the language, while child-like is not childish. All of the selections are new and fresh, many being spe¬ cially written for this volume. It would be diffi¬ cult to find another oollection so replete with short, bright, cheery printed pieces as contained in this book. 128 pages. Paper Covers.25 Cents Cloth, Gilt Titles.50 Cents Any book in this list sent postpaid to any address upon receipt of price. Complete Catalogue sent free. FREDERICK J. DRAKE & CO., Publishers 2)1-213 EAST MADISON ST., CHICAGO DRAKE’S HANDBOOKS ARE THE BEST MADE. LITTLE FOLKS’ DIALOGUES & DRAMAS. By Charles Walter Brown, A. M. A collection of original Dialogues and Dramas by various authors, sprightly and sensible, particularly adapted for little people from three to twelve years old, on subjects and ideas fitted to their age, handled in the quaint manner and appropriate action so often observed in even children of tender age. Suitable for all occasions. Special day celebrations, etc. With costumes for boys and girls. 180 pages. Paper Covers.25 Cents Cloth, Gold Titles.50 Cents CHOICE DIALECT AND VAUDEVILLE STAGE JOKES. Containing side-splitting Stories, Readings, Recitations, Jokes, Gags and Monologues, in Irish, Dutch, Scotch, Yankee, French, Italian, Spanish, Negro, and other dialects, representing every phase of sentiment from the keenest humor or the tender- est pathos to that which is strongly dramatic. We heartily recommend this book to amateurs and professionals as being the Best, Latest and contain¬ ing the brightest dialect stories of the vaudeville stage, as told and recited by Ezra Kendall, George Thatcher, Lew Dockstader, Rogers Bros., Weber and Fields, Joe W elsh and others. 200 pages. Paper Covers.25 Cents Cloth, Gold Titles.50 Cents DUTCH DIALECT. Recitations, Readings and Jokes, as told by our fore¬ most vaudeville stars, Weber and Fields, Rogers Brothers, Marshall P. Wilder, Ezra Kendall, Geo. Fuller Golden, Gus Williams and others. Every lover of German dialect, wit and humor ought to procure a copy of this new and up-to-date book, as it contains the choicest emanations of the most celebrated and renowned Dutch comedians and humorists of the present day. Rip-roaring, side¬ splitting Dutch dialect. Hot humor covers its many pages, and comedians and amateurs who wish to keep an audience or social gathering in a continuous stream of laughter and merriment, and receive tumultuous applause at every appear¬ ance, will find in this book exactly what they re¬ quire. ICO pages. . . 25 Cents .50 Cents Paper Covers. Cloth, Gold Titles .. Any book in this list sent postpaid to any address upon receipt of price. Complete Catalogue sent free. FREDERICK J. DRAKE & CO., Publishers 211-213 EAST MADISON ST., CHICAGO DRAKE’S PRACTICAL BOOKS ARE PERFECT. Paper Covers. ‘Cloth, Gold Titles IRISH WIT AMD HUMOR. Irish wit and humor is a fac¬ tor in human experience which the world can ill afford to lose. In some of its qualities it is second to the wit and humor of no nation on earth. Judg¬ ing it by its average specimens—and it would be manifestly misleading to take a lower standard—it manages to convey an idea fully; but in its haste to express itself,—the mataphors get mixed, and the thoughts transposed or reversed. For playful¬ ness, for sarcastic keenness, for gracefulness, and for red-hot scornfulness, nothing is more effective than some of the examples of the wit and humor of the Irishman, as told in this timely volume. Amateur theatricals or entertainments of any character will find this book a most acceptable ad¬ dition for gathering material. 160 pages. .25 Cents .50 Cents CONUNDRUMS AND RIDDLES. Collected and arranged by John Ray. This is the latest, largest and. best collection of Conun¬ drums ever published. Containing upwards of four thousand choice new intellectual Conundrums and Riddles which will sharpen your wit and lead you to think quickly. They are always a source ■of great- amusement and pleasure, whiling away tedious hours and putting every one in a general good humor. Any person, with the assistance of this book, may take the lead in entertaining a •company and keep them in roars of laughter for hours. We heartily recommend it to amateurs ■and professionals for entertainments of all kinds. 160 pages. Paper Covers. Cloth, Gilt Titles. ... 25 Cents 50 Cents NEGRO MINSTRELS. By Jack Haverly. A complete handbook written to encourage, help and guide amateurs in their efforts to form troupes and give a successful evening’s performance. An entire program is ar¬ ranged with full details, consisting of a first part with the brightest dialogue between “Tambo,” “Bones” and the “Middleman” ; the introduction of ballads, songs, gags, conundrums, side-splitting stump speeches, etc. Mr. Jack Haverly was one of the most widely experienced men on the minstrel stage, and in this book has drawn on his stock of tried features, selecting and offering his best there¬ from. 150 pages. Paper Covers. 29 Cents Cloth, Gilt Titles. 50 Cents Any book in this list sent postpaid to any address upon receipt of price. Complete Catalogue sent free. FREDERICK J. DRAKE & CO., Publishers 2n-2i3 east madison st„ Chicago DRAKE EDITIONS ARE THE BEST. BECAUSE I LOVE YOU. THE BOOK OF LOVE, COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE. It fully explains How Maidens Become Happy Wives and Bachelors Become Happy Husbands in a brief space of time and by easy methods. Also Complete Directions for Declaring Intentions, Accepting Vows and Retaining Affections both Before and After Marriage, describing the invita¬ tions, the dresses, the ceremony and the proper behavior of both bride and bridegroom, whether in public or behind the nuptial curtain. It also telli* plainly how to begin courting, the way to get over bashfulness, the way to “sit up,” the way to find a soft spot in the sweetheart’s breast. This is just the treatise to be in the hands of every young bach¬ elor or maiden, every married man or women, ev¬ ery widow or widower, young and old—in fact it is a complete marriage guide. 200 pages. Paper Cover .25 Cents Cloth, Gold Titles.50 Cents CARD TRICKS. HOW TO DO THEM. And principles of Sleight of Hand. By A. Roter- berg. Fully illustrated. This book gives, with careful and easy instructions, the newest card tricks and slight of-hand yet offered to profess¬ ionals and amateurs. Not only does this book contain all of the new tricks, but nearly every one known is fully explained and exposed by explicit directions and carefully prepared illus¬ trations. No more agreeable form of public or private amusement can be devised than that of successful card tricks. 170 pages, 80 fine illus¬ trations. Paper Covers.25 Cents Cloth, Gold Titles.50 Cents TRICKS WITH COINS. By T. Nelson Downs. A full and complete expose (illustrated) of the Author’s World-Famous Coin Creation, “The Mi¬ ser's Dream,” including thp correct method of exe¬ cuting the Continuous Back and Front-Hand Palm. A series of absolutely new Passes with Coins, in¬ cluding eleven distinct and different methods of causing the disappearance of a single coin. This book contains a complete explanation, with illustrations of every Coin Trick known. Written in a plain, easy, comprehensive style, which makes P the very best book on coin tricks published. To the professional and amateur this book will be an interesting addition to the already great number of works on what many consider to be the most fascinating art of the period. 170 pages, 95 illustra¬ tions. Paper Cover.. 25cts. Cloth, Gold Titles.. 50cts. Any book in this list sent postpaid to any address upon receipt of price. Complete Catalogue sent free. FREDERICK J. DRAKE & CO., Publishers 2JJ-2J3 EAST MADISON ST., CHICAGO ASK FOR DRAKE EDITIONS IF YOU WANT THE BEST. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES BY CARDS. By Madam Zancig. Fully illustrated. This little manual lias been written to give amusement, and it describes the methods that are commonly used hy Gypsies and others when they “read your for¬ tune.” Many have witnessed a great number of most wonderful and useful conclusions which have been produced by this science, and many future events have been foretold. Any one can tell the present, past and future by following these simple instructions. 150 page®, 50 illustrations. Paper Covers...25 Cents Cloth, Gold Titles.50 Cents NATIONAL POLICY PLAYER’S GUIDE AND DREAM BOOK. This little volume is priceless to those who play the lottery or policy. It contains a complete iist of dreams, arranged alphabetically, with their lucky numbers; Playing Cards, their numbers; Days of Week and Month, with numbers; Holi¬ days, Unlucky Days, Lucky Days, Birthdays, Com¬ bination Tables, etc.; Rules how to ascertain how much any amount of money will bring on any given row of numbeas, etc., etc. 208 pages. Paper Covers.25 Cents Cloth. Gold Titles...50 Cents GIPSY WITCHES FORTUNE TELLING CARDS. By Madame Le Normand. (Gipsy Witch.) Mmlle. Le Normand has left behind such a reputation, the memory of so unusual a talent, that we believe we shall do a favor to the admirers of her system, by pub¬ lishing the cards which were found after her death. They are the same cards with which she prophesied to Napoleon I. his future greatness, and the downfall of many princes and great men of France. Each pack contains fifty-two fine illustrated cards, lithographed in colors, with inscription foretelling your past, pres¬ ent and future. Can also be used for playing any card game. Full directions with each pack. Price per package of 52 cards in neat case.50 cents Any book in this list sent postpaid to any address upon receipt of price. Complete Catalogue sent free. FREDERICK J. DRAKE & CO., Publishers 2J1-213 EAST MADISON ST„ CHICAGO DRAKE'S UP-I0-DA1E BOOKS. HERRMANN’S BOOK OF MAGIC. By Herrmann. Including a full expose of the Black Art. This is a practical treatise on how to perform modern tricks. Great care has been exercised by the au¬ thor to include in this book only such tricks as have never before appeared in print. This assures the performer a secret and almost endless fund for suitable material to be used on all occasions. With little practice almost anyone can perform the more simple tricks, and with practice, as he be¬ comes more adept, he can perform the most diffi¬ cult. No book published contains a greater vari¬ ety of material for conjurers and slight-of-hand performers than this book. 180 pages, 41 illustra¬ tions. Paper Cover.25 Cents Cloth, Gold Titles.50 Cents “CARD SHARPERS, THEIR TRICKS EXPOSED, OR THE ART OF ALWAYS WINNING.” By Robert-Houdin. This volume was expressly written to “en¬ lighten the dupes and there will be no more cheating.” In unveiling*the tricks of card sharpers, the author and editor have included everything practiced by gamblers of all countries, they having spent years in following every crooked or cheating move made by them, which is fully explained by diagrams. The book when read will inspire no thought beyond that of guarding the reader against the card tricks of sharpers. 200 pages, 24 illustra¬ tions. Paper Coper, printed in three colors.. .Price, $ .50 Cloth Cover, designs in gold and inks. “ 1.00 THE EXPERT AT THE CARD TABLE. By S. W. Erdnase. Without doubt the very best and most up-to-date treatise on the numerous sleights used by gamblers, concluding with a thor¬ oughly interesting chapter on Card Sleights and Tricks with Cards. Among the various new gambler’s sleights will be found many which will prove of excellent service to the progressive conjuror. 205 pages, 101 illustra¬ tions. !2mo, Cloth.Price $1.00 Any book in this list sent postpaid to any ad¬ dress, upon receipt of price. Complete Catalogue sent free. FREDERICK J. DRAKE & CO., Publishers 211-213 EAST MADISON ST.,.CHICAGO DRAKE EDITIONS ARE UP-TO-DATE. Paper Covers... Cloth, Gilt Titles TOASTS AND AFTER DINNER SPEECHES. Compiled and Edited by William Young Stafford. How many times have you been called upon to re¬ spond to some toast or speech? What would you not give for the ability to be rid of this embarrass¬ ment? The book contains Presentation Speeches, At and After Dinner Speeches, Political Speeches, Welcomes, Congratulations, School Commence¬ ment Valedictories, etc. Also toasts and welcomes on various subjects. From this book you may learn some lessons that will prove profitable when called upon to speak or respond to some toast or senti¬ ment. Send for a copy and prepare yourself. Not only is it valuable to the novice, but the ex¬ perienced orator will find many good suggestions. 180 pages. .25 Cents .50 Cents MODERN QUADRILLE CALL BOOK AND COMPLETE DANCING MASTER. By a c. Wir th, President of the American National Association of Masters of Dancing. Containing all the new modern square dances and tabulated forms for the guidance of the leader of others in calling them, full and complete direc¬ tions for performing every known square dance, such as Plain Quadrilles, Polka Quadrilles, Prairie Queen, United States Quadrille, Presidential Quad¬ rille, Varieties Quadrille, Francaise, Cake Walk Quadrille, Dixie Figures, Girl I Left Behind, Old Dan Tucker, Money Musk, Waltz Lanciers, Oak¬ land Minuet, Waltz Quadrilles, The German, etc. In the Round Dances a special feature consists of the Wirth and other newest methods of teaching the steps of the waltz, etc. 160 pages. Paper Covers.25 Cents Cloth, Gold Titles.50 Cents CHAS. K. HARRIS’ COMPLETE SONGSTER. Containing one hundred and fifty latest pop¬ ular songs—successes of Mr. Harris and his staff of famous composers. Never before would Mr. Harris allow all of his songs to be sold in one single volume on account of their ever ready sale singly, but through the untiring ef¬ forts of the publishers at a great expense, we are now prepared to offer this superb collection of one hundred and fifty popular songs at a price within the reach of all. 200 pages, 150 songs. Paper Covers—Price.25 Cents Cloth Covers—Price.50 Cents Any book in this list sent postpaid to any address upon receipt of price. Complete Cata¬ logue sent free. FREDERICK J. DRAKE & CO., Publishers 20-213 EAST MADISON ST., CHICAGO DRAKE'S PRACTICAL HANDBOOKS HAVE THE CALL. PHOTOGRAPHY SELF-TAUGHT. By T. Stith Baldwin. The camera is now recognized as a factor in the fields of pleasure, profit and instruction and is used by every class of citizen ; by the tourist and other pleas¬ ure seekers as an adjunct to further the enjoy¬ ment of a vacation and to provide lasting sou¬ venirs of a pleasant experience. Any man, woman or child of ordinary intel¬ ligence, without previous experience, by simply following printed instructions, can soon acquire the knowledge necessary to properly operate the camera, develop the plate (or film), and print and finish the picture. 160 pages, 59 illus¬ trations. Paper Covers.25 Cents Cloth.50 Cents STANDARD PERFECTION POULTRY BOOK By C. C. Shoemaker. The recognized standard work on poultry in this country , containing a com¬ plete description of all the varieties of fowls, in¬ cluding turkeys, ducks, and geese with illustra¬ tions of each; poultry houses and how to build them, also full directions for operating incubators and brooders. Chapters on diseases, feeding, caponizing,dressing and shipping and fattening for market. Sites for buildings, land needed, etc., etc. 200 pages, 80 il¬ lustrations. paper Covers.25 Cents Cloth.50 Cents COMPLETE DEBATERS’ MANUAL. By Charles Walter Brown, A. M. This book will fill a place occupied by no other. It is not only a manual of parliamentary usages but a com¬ plete guide to all matters pertaining to Organiza¬ tion. Debating Clubs will find this book un¬ equaled. It tells us all about how to start the ma¬ chinery. How to outline and prepare a debate. It gives full debates, so that the inexperienced speak¬ er may know about what he is expected to say, and how much is required to fill his allotted time. 160 pages. Paper Covers .25 Cents Cloth, Gilt Titles.50 Cents Any book in this list sent postpaid to any address upon receipt of price. Complete Catalogue sent free. FREDERICK J. DRAKE & CO., Publishers 211-213 EAST MADISON ST„ CHICAGO Felt’s Parliamentary Procedure By ORSON B. FELT. A New Book on Parliamentary Law for Clubs, Fraternal Orders, —- Political Gatherings, Etc. —- In preparing this work the author has eliminated those legislative rules which tend to confuse the student. The explanations of rules are intented particularly for students who have not given the subject much attention, and the arrangement of the book makes it possible to learn in the shortest time everything bearing upon any single topic. Each motion is clearly and briefly explained under its proper head, so that the desired information can be secured by consulting one part of the book. Many of the booKS on Parliamentary Law show the practice in legislative assemblies; they contain much that is either not useful or too complicated for use in ordinary meetings. Another helpful feature is the Practical Lessons, showing the actual workings of an assembly and the proper use of motions, giving propor forms for stat¬ ing the question, putting to vote, and declaring the results. These lessons proceed from the the simple to the more difficult applications, and are peculiarly adapted to the use of clubs or classes in parliamentary study. 203 pages. Price, leather binding, 75c; Cloth binding, 50c. Webster s System of Memorizing — Easy and Difficult Words —— ARRANGED AND EDITED BY VVM. T. C. HYDE. A new system of memorizing difficult and common words—a complete handy dictionary. The handiest book in the English language. Editors praise it. Bus¬ iness men swear by it. Typewriters delight in it; Book men recommend it. All troublesome words converted by the type into pictures—the eye does not rest. The word pictures in this manual are designed to stamp cor¬ rect English orthography ineffaceably upon the visual memory. In Webster’s System of Memorizing Easy and Dif¬ ficult Words the letters which are usually transposed, misplaced, omitted, or otherwise misused are printed in boldface type, thus emphasizing to the eye their proper arrangement. To this popular work has been added an appendix in which are defined many commercial and business terms and abbrevations in everyday use the meanings, of which are not always understood. It is a book for the desk - smaller than an unabridged, larger than a pocket dictionary, and more convenient than either. It contains all the troublesome words in the language. A book for busy people. 12nio, Cloth. Price, = - $1.00. FREDERICK J. DRAKE, E . Madias... CHICAGO / \ I t ", \ :K , : M&fi :''V