The Penn's Grove record., 1893-06-16

knowledge of nautical matters
was at all times far ahead Of their
contemporaries, and the approach
of the Morse fleets struck
error to the hearts Of the boldest op.
/ p~onents. TIL. ir vessels though small
| enough in our eyes were Of great size,
considering the period, and fitted out
on q scale OF unparalleled m~agnihcenoe.
In shape they were low and cut far
down amidships, rising almost to Q
point at the prov and stern, which
were usually ornamented by huge gold
| dragons, or other emblematic devices,
| often measuring as much as twelve feet
in length and three feet across. Every
part Of the vessel was lsvishly orna-
msnted with gold and silver ~traceries,
wrought iron, and carved woodwork.
In calm weather the vessel was pro.
PEELED with oars, the larger ships re-
quiring about thirty oarsmen. The
lot gest of these oars so far as is knowr
to day, measured twenty six feet.
The Norsemen prided themselves on
the beauty of their sails. which were
woven OF wool and ~gorgeously embIoid-
cred with NEUROLOGICAL figures in silver
aud gold. They were square in shape
and usually bright-colored, often
striped in blue, scarlet, and green, but
sometimes entirely white. Strangely
enough, many of their vessels were
ironclads, and consequently able to re-
sist the weightiest missiles of the
enemy. Their battles were undertaken
with the greatest caro- and foresight.
Aside from their desperate courage.
which was always an important element
in the contests Of those days, they
managed their attacks-and when
necessary-their retreats, with con.
summste strategic skill. They we're
that compound Of the soldier and sailor,
which, In themselves and in their de-
scendants, has made northern Europe
the controlling power Of the Eastern
world.
The ordinary costume Of the Vikings
was of wool, silk. linen, and fur. The
men wore brooches reaching to the
knee, q shirt OF linen, a loose cloak OF
wool, somewhat resembling the toga of
the Romans, and immense mantles
lined with fur. In battle they donned
| coats Of mail and iron helmets. Their
principal weapons we're huge double
bladed swords and heavy spears. Their
shields were Of leather, embossed with
silver and gold. Every part of their
costume was lavishly laden with golden
ornaments.
The women OF the better class, wore
o long trailing robe Of finest wool OF
silken material, richly embroidered.
It was clasped at the waist by q heavy
golden belt, from which was invariably
suspended q small, richly embroidered
bag. Their long hair. commonly fair.
though sometimes dark, OF which they
we're very proud, flowed loosely over
| their shoulders. Some of the married
women wore a little gold embroidered
cap. Ladies of the highest rank
always wore q band of gold around the
hair.
Not the least interesting of the OBJ
iects which will make our Worlds Fair
educational, rs we'll as attractive, will
be the perfectly appointed reproduc-
ton OF a Viking vessel, in all its ap-
pointments. Not only have the best
authorities been drawn upon, but
au ex-ancient ship, in excellent preser'
walton, SO far as lower works are con-
cerned, has served as the basis for the
model of the 'shollow hull that swept
the northern seas" After having in
spected one of our modern battle ships.
it reeui IS some stretch OF the magma.
ton to conceive of such q "hollow hnll'
as this, practically dominating the seas.
Yet no greater physical courage ever
inspired men than that which led these
sea-rovers to
"DGminate the stormy main,
Yet TO the land beneath the northern star,
The bitter world where endless ice prevails.
Out oars! In shieldsl fight for your lives, my
men!
Leave our bold Raven, as she floats amain."
Democrats Family Magazine.