Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1893-06-21

knowledge Of nautical matters
! was at ali TINES far ahead of their
contemporaries, and he approach
LOT the Morse fleets struck
error to the hearts of the boldest op.
ponents. Th ir vessels though small
enough in our eyes were OF great size
considering the period, and fitted out
on scale of unparalleled magniticence.
In shape they were low and cut far
down amidships, rising almost to q
point at the prov and stern. which
| were usually ornsmented 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 lavishly nrna-
mented 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
lor gest of these oars 80 far as Is known
to day. measured twenty six feet.
The Norsemen prided themselves on
the beauty of their sails, which were
woven of wool and gorgeously embr old
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 care 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-
summate strategic skill. They we're
that compound Of the soldier and sailor.
winch, 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 breeches reaching to the
knee, q shirt of linen, a loose cloak OF
wool, somewhat resembling the toga OF
the Romans, and immense mautles
lined with fur. In battle they donned
coats of mail and iron helmets. Their
principal weapons were huge double
bladed swords and heavy spears. Their
shields were OF leather, embossed with
silver and gold. Every part of their
costume was lsvishly laden with golden
ornaments.
The women OF the better class, wore
long trailing robe of finest wool or
silken material, richly embroidered.
1t was olssped at the waist by a heavy
golden belt, from which was invariably
suspended q small, richly embroidered
bag. Their long hair. commonly fair.
though sometimes dark, of which they
were very proud, flowed loosely over
their shoulders. Some of the married
women wore little gold embroidered
cap. Ladies of the highest rank
always wore a band of gold around the
hair.
Not the least interesting of the OBJ
jects which will make our Worlds Fair
educational, as well as attractive, will
be the perfectly appointed reproduc-
ton of q Viking vessel, in all its sp-
pointments. Not only have the best
authorities been drawn upon, but
an 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 "hollow hull that swept
the northern seas" After having in
spected one of our modern battle ships.
it requices some stretch of the imagina-
tion to conceive of such "hollow hUlP'
as this, practically dominating the seas.
Yet no greater physical courage ever
inspired men than that which led these
sea-royers to
Dominate the stormy main,
Yet to the land beneath the northern star,
The bitter world where endless Ice prevails
Out oarsl In shields! fight for your lives, my
meul
Leave our bold Raven, as she floats aman."
Democrats Family Md0azin