The Swiss Family Robinson. Tr. by H. Frith (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1878 Excerpt: ...showed some caution, and even timidity; while Jack, going too vigorously to work, soon collapsed. Frank, I was glad to perceive, would become a swimmer one day, as well as a bold rider. These various contests occupied us till evening. We then returned in procession along the beach to our dwelling. My wife had gone on a little in front to prepare for the great distribution of prizes. She seated herself in state on a cask covered with leaves. All the boys, the youngest first, deployed before her. They then ranged themselves in a line in front of the throne, while the queen, in imitation of the prize-givers of old, handed the reward to the successful competitor with a few words of praise, accompanied by a kiss. Fritz was the prize taker for the shooting and swimming. He received a double-barrelled English gun and a hunting knife, which he had long desired. Ernest, the victor in the race and in lasso-throwing, received a gold watch like his brother's. Jack, as a reward for his horsemanship, received a pair of steel spurs and a whip. Frank had a pair of stirrups and a long rhinoceros-hide whip, as a reward for the skill he had displayed in training his bull. After the distribution, I offered my wife a beautiful English " Ladies' Companion," which contained all the objects so much prized by women: there were thimbles, scissors, needles, pins, bodkins, etc., etc. "This token of your services," I said, "is more than deserved for your care and kindness and the devotion you have exhibited to us all, and for the trouble you have taken, which has so greatly contributed to the children's success." The day concluded as it had begun, with prayer and praise. CHAPTER XXX. Falcon's Nest.--Bird-lime for Ortolans.--Gourds.--The Ginseng.--The Marmo...