davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
ASeot @ss Dtr4inc.

One can readily imagine how interest
ing that wonderful little creature, the sea-
urchin, or sea-hedgehog, might be on a
whatnot or in a curiosity cabinet, but the
idea of having it on the dining-table and
eating it is quite different. And yet it is a
tid-bit much relished in some parts of
Italy and in China. Here is what Harper s
Round Table says about it:
Sea-urchins are edible and in some
countries are eaten boiled in the shell like
an egg. In certain coast towns of Italy
they even form quite an article of COM
merce, and large is the number of those
engaged in the pursuit of diving tor sea-
urchins. This method of diving is very
picturesque and amusing and, as may be
imagined, requires some skill.
More simple is the way the Chinese pro-
ceed about it. There the fisherman pro-
vides himself With a bundle of slender
wooden rods, tapered to little round
knob at one end. With these he proceeds
to the surf at low tide and drops one OF
these rods into each burrow where he
suspects tenant. There it is left for
abont two hours. During this time the
sea-urchin is sure to swallow the button,
and, as the elastic tissues contract, it is
unable TO release itself again, so that
when the fisherman returns he can easily
extract the rod with the victim attached.
The Chinese stew the sea-urchins ike q
tur-le soup.-Chicago Record.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26

grandpa to the ferry. Then they took the
boat and cars and when their journey ended
met grandma with the phaeton.
Edith thought she never had such a nice
time when she fed the ducks and chickens
next day and held a basket of corn for old
Dobbin, and OIL such a pretty pony.
George wanted to fish the first thing in q
little brook.
Edith used to like to help grandma cook the
dinner. The way she used to help was she'll
irg the peas and stringing the beans.
Grandma" she said one day, "may I take
the peas out in the yard and shell themf'
ayes. dear; but you must be careful the
ducks don't get at them"
"Yes, will" and away ran Edith to find a
pan.
'I wonder what can sit or" thought she,
as she went into the yard. "I'll see If there is
anything in the barn."
She discovered basket which she pulled out
and seated herself upon IL. The ducks evil
IDENTIFY thought sne was going to feed them,
for they gathered around her with their bills
open.
fed you this morning." she said, putting her
hand up to frighten them away. AS she did
so the pan tipped and several peas rolled to
the ground, and the ducks all made rush for
them. so they soon were all gone.
"Oh dearp' she cried, s'you naughty ducks!
You shan't get any more. I'll go where you
can't get my peas" and she ran to the stoop
"Have you finished?" said grandma coming
to the door.
sNo, ma am, not quite. Some spilled out of
my lap and the ducks ate them"
"Did they? Well 1t doesn't matter much,
there were so many"
A few days after as Edith and George came
from the woods after they had gathered a
bouquet of wild flowers, they noticed lady
with baby going up the steps.
"Its mammal Georgia." cried Edith, run
ming as fast as she could. "Oh mammal is it
really you? How cunning Robbie looksi" she
said, throwing her arms about her mammals
neck and kissing her. "oh, here is grandma" ("
az was thinking" said grandpa at dinner to
mamma, "I would give the pony to Edith and
George ii you were willing. We don't need
any more horses.n
"Oh, mamma, can't please have him2 Do
let me r' cried Edith, clapping her hands.
81 don't see where We can keep him, I'm
sure. Grandpa is very kind to let you have
him, though"
II never thought of that" said Edith
isn't that too bad Oh, 1 knowl Wouldn't
Auntie May let US keep him in her stable with
her horsef Couldn't we ask her 7n
"why. yes, think we could. i don't think
she would mind. And the next time grandpa
comes to see us he will bring the pony"
"But. mamma. thought we were going TO
have him now,' said Edith.
"No, dear; not now"
The week passed very quickly and at last
came the day when they had to go home. and
| grandpa drove them to the station
"Be sure and come again soon," said
grandma as they were getting on the train.
Indeed we shall" cried they. eve have
had delightful time.'
/ ETHEL NJ. FERGUSON az years..
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
Real Coottey.

It's in that bundle on the bed,
The new arrival, Downeyhead.
To-day at dawn | stole aloft,
And there it lay, so warm, SO soft.
And ! made bold with what saw
To gently touch it with my paw.
They sent me off disgraced, forlorn,
The saddest pussy ever born.
About the dwelling to and fro
The busy footsteps come and go.
Low voices chatter everywhere,
A JOY there seems in all the air.
Butno one heeds my sorry lot;
am forsaken and forgot.
Yes (ah, no wonder that Pm blue),
My supper is forgotten, tool
AGNES LEE.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
HELPING THEMSELVES.

This little girls name is Irma West She lives
in Southern California. One day when Irma
was playing with her dolls, her mother called
her to shell some peas. She took them and
went out on the porch where it was cool and
sat down. In q little while some ducklings
came on the porch.
Irma had dropped two or three peas mot
meaning to) and the little ducks ate them.
Irma looked at them and said Qor she meant
to pick them up), ''Oh, you naughty ducks,
you are eating those peasr'
After while she had the peas all ready to
be cooked and took them to her mother. Irma
told her mother about the little ducks and
her mother laughed and said, "The little
ducks like peas, too, Irma.'
RAY STUART (aged 3 years..
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26


out OF the cage into a tunnel which led deep
lato the hill. II was about 615 feet high.
Along the ground tracks are laid for the cars
containing the ore to run on to the shaft, then
1t is taken to the surface. We met several of
these cars on the way in pushed by the miners.
Presently we came to a department in which
the men were working. They were hammer
ing drilling, preparing for blasting, picking,
and lew were engaged In timbe ring the top
TO prevent the earth or fine dirt from caving
in. One OF the miners gave me piece OF the
ore. 1t was very heavy and of reddish color.
The miners were very warm.
Though all was very interesting, it was a
relief when the cage landed US on the surface
once more, because the air in the mine was so
very oppressive.
hope we have given You an idea OF how the
work is carried on within the mine
When we write again we shall tell you how
the ore is reduced and prepared for use. Your
faithful readers, JOSIE NJ HOPKINS
ERNEST J. HOPKINS
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
THE CHILD AND THE DUCKLINGs.


One day q little girl sat on basket shelline
peas, when she suddenly heard "Quack.
quack." Glancing up, she saw five little duck
lings coming toward her, One of them looked
as If he had been in the water; the others all
seemed to be dry. As they came nearer sne
noticed that they were not her own little duck
lings.
ssThey must have come from q yard near
ours looking for their mother" she said 10
herself. One of them began to pick up the
peas from the ground, while the others wad-
died up TO the empty pods. The one that
wss wet sat in the sun and picked
his feathers. The little girl watched them.
raised her hand and said warningly: "Look
outl Look out, little ducklingsl Get under
your mothers wings, so no hawk can catch
you" While she was saying this fat duck
came waddling from distance, the ducklings
ran up to her and she walked away, the Eve
little ones following her.
II. HERBERT sEcHEL, age z wears.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
CMo Oisuc.

BY GEORGE COOPER.
"What weary worldl'' sighed q hen forlorn,
Ali in ruffied plumes Complaining;
Not happy hour have / known since morn,
For it's raining, raining, rainingl
"1f venture out with my downy brood,
In the mud they II soon be slipping;
"Why the rain should tall, don't see at ALL
With its dripping, dripping, drippingP'
"what splendid woridr' laughed q lively
duck,
"Mother hen, what is the matter?
Come, my golden bills. for weiars in luck;
How we'll spatter, spatter, spatterp
Then she led them down to the river side.
And they plunged in without wihking.
'Funny world,n quacked she, ssif alike were
we,
In our thinking. thinking, thinkingr,.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
SIMON
BOl4lNHR.
A Story of the Washington Of
South America.
written for Tiny Boys and Girls.

Come, children. one and all, and shall
tell to you the story of little boy who
became the hero and iiberator of his
country.
You all know what "hero" means, 1
am sure. and, maybe, you all strive to be
one, but how many of you know what
'Iiberator' means2
Well, ever and ever so many years ago
yes, more than a hundred Chats long
before you and L were players and workers
on this lovely earth, is it notO-a little
baby boy came to gladden. the beautiful
home of the noble Juan Vicente Bolivar y
Ponte and his sweet wife.
They lived in the picturesque city of
Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, in
South America. AS this tiny baby grew
10 manhood and became the deliverer
and father of his country, his birthday,
July 24-the one hundred and thirteenth
anniversary being last Friday-is cels-
brated throughout the South American
republic, just as We celebrate Washing
toms birthday.
Day by day, under the watchfui care of
his parents, this baby, who had been
named Simon, grew into bright and
sturdy lad who liked to read as much as
you do, John, or romp and play as you,
Tom.
After going to school and learning all he
could at home, Simon was sent to travel
and study in Europe.
He attended college in Madrid, the capi-
tai of Spain, where he lived for several
wears. When he had finished his college
education he travelled in France, and
reached Paris in time to witness the last
scenes of the French Revolution. Here he
first learned of freedom.
Returning to Madrid he married beau
tiful and NOBLE lady, and with his bride
returned to his home in Venezuela, in
tending to pass the rest of his life on his
fine estate.
But soon after they LANDED his young
and pretty wife died of yellow fever, and
Simon sailed again for Europe TO try and
forget his sorrow in change of scene.
Before his return to his own country he
visited the United States, which was then
but few years old, being but short time
after The close of our Revolutionary War
and our Independence of our mother
country, England, had been declared.
Simon became very much interested in
the United States and in the story of how
she became free and independent Nation.
he also became interested in George
Washington, who had died few years be-
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26

gave II food, and from that time on Bessie and
the duck were fast friends.
The duck was soon full grown. One day
Bessie came running TO her mother exclaim-
ing:
''oh, mamma, can't find Ducky anywhere.
Have you seen her to-day?"
"No," said her mother, "but ] guess she
hasn't gone far. Don't worry; Ducky will be
back before night"
But when night came, Ducky had not ap-
peared. ''I am afraid Ducky is lost, and will
never come back" said Bessie, a week later.
At the end of few weeks, however, there
came great surprise to the whole family One
morning, as Bessie was watching the chickens,
what should appear around the corner of the
barn but Ducky, with five little fluffy duck
lings following behind her. Bessie at
once remembered her old pet. who had been
gone for so long.
The little girl was so happy that she jumped
with joy and ran to the house to tell her
mother. "Come quick. mamma, and see
them," called Bessie. "What are you talking
about. dear?" asked mamma. The ducks" I"
answered Bessie Mrs. White came to the
door and asked when they came. Then Bessie
told her about it.
All that day Bessie played with the little
ducks, and she gave each one name. which
they soon learned and would come whenever
she called them Bessie loved to feed them
and they became great pets. Sometimes her
little dog Tray was jealous, for from the time
the ducks arrived they were petted more than
be was.
Near the house was small pond, which the
little ducks and their mother used to swim in,
and Bessie thought it fine fun to watch them.
They thought 1t was fun, too, for they liked
the water better than they did the land
In the morning, as soon as Bessie dressed.
the frst thing she thought OF was the dueks
She always found them at the back door, for
she taught them to come there to be fed.
Now the ducks have grown up and Bessie Is
sorry, but her mamma tells her that they will
have some little ducklings for her 10 play
with, and she will have the same fun she has
had with the first. and so we will leave Bessie
waiting and wishing for the next little pets to
hurry and come.
HAZEL BROCK lsge IL years.,
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26

fore, and whose name was upon every
ones lips and whose image was engraved
in every ones heart.
for, resolved to follow in Washington's
footsteps and live for his country, which
was then struggling to free itself from the
tyranny OF its mother country, Spain.
How well he succeeded the story of his
life and the way in which his memory is
revered tells. Bolivar was given, while in
America, portrait medal OF Washington.
which he always wore and which is the
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26

10 see this letter in print, as some others might
like to know about how the ore is mined out
also.
When we first went down in the mines we
were surprised. 1t was so different from what
we had expected.
We first entered the cage, which is a sort of
elevator running up and down the shaft. This
shaft is dug straight down 500 feet with
drifts running horizontally from it. There
are four drifts in this particular shaft.
When we reached the first one we stepped
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
DOUGLAS FLAT. CAL. July, 1896.


Editor Of the San FRANCISCO CdlE-DEAR SIR:
Please publish my letter am little girl
years old. go to school and am in the four tn
grade. All the fruit is getting ripe up here.
have little bird. 1t is little linnet. We
have no school now. 1t will start in Septem-
Der. We have two horses, one is red and the
other is gray. We had three, but one died. It
was red. named my bird Dick. 1t is a real
cool place up here.
have a little brother. He is years old
/ have three brothers and five sisters and all
together make nine. We have lots of tun up
here. We get lots OF girls and boys and 60
picking berries and nuts. Then, too, we have
picnics and gay parties.
We have a schoolhouse. Our teachers name
is Miss Fannie Stevens. shall be glad when
school commences again.
I shall close with good-by. Your new
friend, EVA MALsPINA
BLUE CANYON, Cal, July IL, 1896.
Dear Editor: This is my first letter to you.
am IL years old.
l have guessed one OF the puzzles and hope
it is right. 1t is the sixth. 1t is because "they
both catch dirt" am in the fifth grade and
there is another girl in my class named Retha.
I have four sisters and three brothers
Hoping to see my letter in print next SUM-
day shall close. Your friend,
MAGGIE WOODBURY..
ALAMEDA, July 13.
Dear Editor: This is my first letter to The
CALL.
1 live in Alameda I have little brother
who is year and a half older than myself. We
both go to the same school.
am promoted to the class, fourth grade
term standl. Ny brother and never play on
the street as many children do. We assist
mamma with housework, for she is not very
strong.
Hoping that my letter viii be published in
next Sundays CALL, remain, your little
writer, ELSA WAGNER (aged 1O).
SEATTLE, Wash, July IA. 1896.
Dear Editor: AS see so many girls aid boys
have written letters for children's page
thought would undertake to write 3 short
one as it is my first time.
We have taken THE CALL for a number of
years, and find much pleasure in securing an
swers TO the many puzzles that are printed.
am IL years old and go to the convent
which closed the 18th OF June, and was pro-
NOTED into the seventh grade.
/ took much interest in reading "Rita's
Rogue" Your friend, LILLE WRIGHT.
GOLDEN GATE. July 13, 1896.
Dear Editor; This is my second letter 10
The CALL. and hope it viii be printed.
1 go TO the Bay Public School and am in the
seventh CRATE. NV teachers name is Miss
Rockefeliow, whom like great deal.
enjoy reading THE CALL very much, espe-
cially the page entitled In Childhood's
Realm. Every Sunday morning / get the
paper before anybody else, and yesterday
July 12l thought we would not get it all day,
because it was not here at the usual time
have written story about the picture that
was in The CALL of June % and hope that it
will be satisfactory. From your friend.
E. MARTENS (aged IL years.
SAN FRANCISCO. July 20, 1896.
Dear Editor: This is my first letter TO THE
CALL, the paper that I like. Ny papa has
taken The CALL for twenty years and likes it
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26

much interested in the name. Papa"
she said gravely. the next day, "did you
know Harry studies Fidgets?"
at is time" said Venezuela, ''to have a
thorough and competent diagnosis of my
case"
whats the matter2" asked Guiana,
haughtily
"Why, Great Britain says have an in
growing boundary line"
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
BEssIE,s PETS.

One fine morning in April as Bessie was 60
ing to feed the chickens she found little duck
in the yard, which she concluded must have
wandered away from its home and could not
ina its way back. The duck tried to make
friends with the chickens. but they would not
welcome the stranger. Bessie ran to tell her
mother, and asked her if she might have if
Mrs. White said Eyes, if no one come 10 claim
it," As no one came, the duck was Bessie s.,
a nd she named 1t Dueky.
Bessie was sorry for the poor little thing and
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
Santa Clara, Ca
A PLEAsANT VACATION,

Edith and Georgia were going to visit
grandpa during vacation. Edith was 0 years
old and Georgie 8.
They never had been to grandpa's before,
and were very anxious to go.
mamma, when are we going to start?"
pretty soon. dears," said mamma, who was
arranging the things in the trunk
next?"
.wen," said mamma, "to satisfy you I will
tell you. 1 think it will be some time at the
FIRST of next week. Grandpa is going to come
and take you up there, as can't go just now
After you have been there for three weeks ]
am coming to stay one week with baby"
"Goodyl goodyi" cried they. Wont we
have jolly time, thought"
At last the day came, and they went with
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
Joly IN -Hoytraua.

This is the season when all torrents run
Beneath no bright, glad beauty of the sun.
Here, where the trace of last years green is
lost
Are hearty gales, and lordships of the frost;
Far down, by fields forlorn, and forelands
bIesk,
Are wings that fly not, birds that never speak.
Henry Clarence Kendall
Greeting!
hope you all agree with me (but how
could you help it? that the stories pub
lished about the little girl and her duck
lings were fine!
Isn't it strange how differently we look
at everything in lie and how much may
be written about one thing?
Your editor is glad that you've been
given this work to do-studying pictures.
Keep it up. Never glance at a picture
carelessly. Remember always the fair
future which lies before California chill
dren. You may have a chance to travel
through the lands where lived and worked
the greatest artists of the worlds history
and perhaps gaze on their marvellous pro-
ductions.
Your keen enjoyment OF these beautiful
pictures and statues may in large meas
ure be due to your study of detail sug-
gested by your own Childhood s
Realm"
One word more-a word worth while:
To-day following my greeting to you is
a simple little story about one with whom
I wish you to be acquainted.
In the future shall question you about
him, so read his story carefully. He's
worthy of our love; therefore learn of his
wonderful career.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
SEATTLE. Wash. July s. 1!

SEATTLE, Wash, July s, 1896
Dear Editor: My papa is also one OF your
many subscribers.
Our present home is in Seattle, although I
was born in San Francisco.
have two sisters-Lillian and Laurene-and
we enjoy reading the "Chlldhood's Realm
very much, especially the letters, which are
always so interesting.
am fond OF reading and take books from
the City Ii brary and also the Sunday-school
library, besides being subscriber to the
Youths Companion, but always find time to
read what l consider the most interesting
page in THE CALL.
As this is my first letter, l think have writ
ten enough. Hoping. Dear Editor, that you
will kindly publish this, am, yours respect
fully, Ina NJ. WRIGHT.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
SEBAsroPoL. cat. July Is. 1885

Dear Editor: I am little girl, IL years of
age. enjoy reading the "Childhoods Realm
very much. My papa has been taking The
CALL for some time. We are living on large
farm on Pleasant Hill, three miles from Sebas-
topol and ten miles from Santa Rosa. Hoping
this will be published in THE CALL next Sum-
day shall close. Your friend
aD,1yr,,- r, pryrrx,
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
SAN FRANCISCO, July 8, 1896.


Dear Editor: AS have not seen any letters
from this district l thought / would write
one. We have taken The CALL for many years
and have liked it very well. We are having
vacation now, and am enjoying myself very
nicely. This is my first letter and hope it will
skip the wastebasket.
AS my letter is getting long will have to
close, saying good-by. Your little reader,
MARY Harry
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
| twenty and am going to make book. Your
loving friend,
RAYMOND RoBEY (age years..
ORoyILLE, July IA. 1886,

Dear Editor: I am a little girl years old. j..
My papa's name is H. C. Bell. He lives in
Oroville. read the paper every Sunday and
/ like the little stories and puzzles.
1t is very hot up here in the summertime.
We raise lots of oranges and other fruits.
1 have a little girl cousin whose name is
Leila, and play with her most of the time
am Republican and shall vote for McKin-
ley. MINERVA BELL.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
sANIncAs cal Inlu 1a 1ooe

Dear Editor: Seeing all the nice letters writ
ten by the little folks of California 1, too.
should like to have mine published in next
Sundays CALL. We have little girl staying
with us ana her name is Rose, and we make
out the puzzles.
Perhaps my letter is getting too long, SO
hoping it win escape the wastebasket, | re.
main. your reader. age 9 years,
MARY NJ TREsCoNy
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26

BADGER HILL, Ell Dorado County, June q.
Dear Editor: Last May 1 sent Won a lettar
and was very much disappointed not to see II
in print. This time will send You the sn.
swers to the puzzles. as I think 1 have then,
all but one, and hope they are right. Ihad
help with some OF them. Your friend.
JULIA BRrrGFp
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
ANNIE ELPHIcH.
HAwARpEN. Iowa. July IL 1895.

uAWARDEN, IUWas july II 1910.
Dear Editor; haven t written for q long time,
so L thought would write. Our school closed
June 26 and 1 passed from the third to the
fourth grade. This year my teachers name-is
Miss Orcutt, and last year Miss Maria Ross was
my teacher. like the ehildren's page, and
tear the page out and keep ii. have about
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
JULIA BRIEeER
FARMINGroN, Cal, June o. 1909

FARMINGToN, Cal, June 26. 18e6
Dear Editor: promised to describe our gar.
den when wrote to you before.
1t is a small one, near the house and con-
tains beans, beets, corn. cabbages and potatoes.
have not tried any of the puzzles vet. You
will please me by publishing my letter. Your
friend, LEONARD RICHTER.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
SAN RAFAEL, july 19, 1885.

Dear Editor: This is my first letter to THE
CALL am IL years old. Our school closed
on the 5th OF June. Ny brother takes THE
CALL and he thinks it is very nice paper. I
like the children's page very much. and also
the letters. should be much pleased if my
letter escapes the wastebasket and also
should be very much pleased 30 see nv letter
in next Sundays CALL GEORGIA Dustin.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
P0Ily Cat are Baly.

A young lady spending rainy evening
at the house of an old gentleman wanted
q cab to take her home. Her host started
off 10 fetch the cab.