The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1878-01-19
Books.

History Of L. SALE Comfy, ILLINOIS It's
Topography, Geology, Botany, &c., and al
Sketch of the Pioneer Settlers of each Town,
with an Appendix, giving the present status %
the county, It's population and resources. Byl
Elmer Baldwin Chicago: RAND, McNally al
Co.
We owe Mr.. Baldwin an apology For so long
delaying proper notice Of lis very valuable
book. The volume vas prepared at the request
of the Old Settlers Association of the County,
who selected Mr.. Ba lvin as the httcst man with
in their knowledge ,r such an undertaking.
They nave abundan- reason to be satisfied with
the manner in whicl nc has performed the task
The work is admiral prepared. 1t opens with
sketch of the topography and economic geolo-
Nv of the county; then briefly sketches the inter-
esting French explorations within its borders;
next we have the Indian history, bringing us
down to the first settlers and the Blackhawk war
of 1882 with its many thrilling events. The trials
and privations as well as rccreations ond dercr-
tisements of the first settlers are sketched in II
manner SO life-like to give it all the charm OF
a Photographic picture. The style is simple and
concise throughout with nothing stilted or for
effect about it. Especially interesting are the
biographical sketches Of the first settlers OF the
different towns, while the Appendix Is valuable
for 1t solid information in regard to the mineral
wealth and manufactured resources of the county,
We have read the book with profound interest
and except some faults of proof reading and APP
parent careessness as to dates, find little in II
that we cannot heartily commend.
The book is illustrated by fine photograph OF
Starved Rock Il map Of Deer Park, and diagrams
of the Notifications AT Marscllcs, the old fort at
the mouth Of Indian Creek and the French Work,
on the bluff south Of Starved Rock.
KAvANAUGH's JUVENILE SPEAKER forN Very Little
Bows and Girls. New York hi Ok Il F!t2gcr
aid, publishers.
DICKS RECiTATIoNS AND READINGs-No. D.
New York; Dick * Fitzgerald, publishers.
These little volumes will be a relief to many
school teachers and managers of school, church
parlor and like entertainments in which very
small children, as well as young people of larger
growth are expected to take part. They atiort
abundant admirable selections for recitatons
dialogues, charades, plays, &C., to keep up The
exhibition and parlor show business at a liyel,
rate for half dozen Of winters. The selections
are mostly new. from the ablest writers of TIT
day, and have freshness and sprightlincss abou
them that must prove eminently attractive an'
satisfactory.
THE SHORTHAND REVIEW. BY X, Theophilus
Issued quarterly, Pittsburg, Pa. Price, 25
per number.
No. s Of this excellent review is on our table
The general merits of the Scovl system of short
hand, in whose interest the Recicc is published
we have heretofore explained The presen
number is an Improvement we think, over Tn
two previous numbers. 1t contains shor
sketch of the life of the author of the system
Rev W. f. Scoyill, interesting notes on shor,
hand, editorial notes, views on the various sy'
tens of rapid writing now in use, and raluabl
articles, examples and instruction for learner
The R,riec will be found interesting to all, an
more especially to students OF the art.
Any Of the above works can be had at the boo
o store Of Osman Il lIapcman, Ottawa.