America, and lies in the Western Continent. Europe, Asia, and Africa, form the Eastern Continent. Those who want to go from one continent to the other, have to sail many miles, across either the Atlantic or the Pacific.

3. Now, our gallant sailors think nothing of making such a voyage. But there was a time when even the bravest were afraid to venture far out upon the ocean. Their vessels were not so large or so well shaped as ours; and they feared, if they went too far away from land, they would never find the way back.

4. Four hundred years ago, men did not know so much about the Earth as they do now. They thought that it was flat, in stead of round. They knew nothing of the Western Continent. They were afraid of the broad ocean. They supposed that those who kept sailing west would either reach the end of the Earth and fall off, or meet with dreadful gales and whirlpools. Some thought that the unknown waters to the west were filled with frightful monsters, and that it was wicked to try to sail there. So they left the Atlantic mostly unexplored. The farthest land that was known towards the west was the islands called the A-zores', about 800 miles west of Portugal.

5. Four hundred years ago, the land we inhabit looked very different from what it now does. There were no great cities in it then; no large farms, with fields of waving grain; no comfortable houses, with smoke curling up from their chimney-tops; no horses or cattle in the meadows; no fences, no bridges, no roads; no steamboats or sailing-vessels on the rivers; no white men, to give life to the whole.

6. In place of these, there were giant trees, thick woods, and rolling prairies. Deer, bears, and wolves, abounded. There

Map.-2. Where does the United States lie? What countries form the Eastern Continent? How can a person go from one continent to the other?-3. In old times, what did people think of a voyage across the ocean?-4. What did people think about the shape of the Earth, four hundred years ago? What did they think would happen to those who kept sailing west? What was the farthest land known towards the west ?-5. What are found in this country now, that were not here four hundred years ago?-6. Describe this country,

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.

7

were fair streams, but no signs of life on them except the busy beaver. Here and there was a rude hut, covered with bark or skins; and dark, half-naked figures stole through the tangled brush-wood.

7. And what has so changed the appearance of the country? -Its discovery by Europeans. They found it a fruitful and pleasant land. They came over to it in great numbers. They cut down the woods, laid out farms, tilled the soil, and built villages and cities. They made the wilderness blossom like the

rose.

8. But the Western Continent might have remained unknown to Europeans till this day, had it not been for the genius of one man. That great man, the discoverer of America, was Christopher Columbus.

LESSON II.

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.

1. Columbus was born at Gen'-o-a, in Italy, a country of Europe. His parents were poor, but had him well instructed. At an early age he went to sea, and visited various countries. On one occasion, the ship on which he served took fire, and he had to throw himself into the sea and swim for his life.

2. After making many voyages, Columbus became convinced that the Earth was round, and that by sailing west he would finally reach land. If you mark an orange, and place your finger on the opposite side, you will reach the mark whichever way you carry your finger round. So Columbus thought that by sailing west he would arrive at Asia, just as certainly as he would by going east. He knew nothing of the Western Continent; but he supposed that Asia extended much farther east

as it then looked.-7. What has so changed the appearance of our country? What have European settlers done?-8. To whom is the world indebted for the discovery of America?

1. Where was Columbus born? What is said of his parents? What did he do at an early age? What accident befell him?-2. After making many voyages, of what did Columbus become convinced? What did he suppose with

than it does, and he determined to try to reach it by launching out on the unexplored ocean.

3. The Azores, as we have said, were the most westerly land known at that day. Now, after a violent west wind, trees torn up by the roots were sometimes washed on these islands. The bodies of two men, very different in appearance from the people of Europe and Africa, had also been thrown there. These facts confirmed Columbus in his belief, and made him still more anxious to set out on a voyage of discovery.

4. But where was he to get the means? He was poor, and had no ships of his own. He could only lay his plans before the different powers of Europe, and implore their aid. First he tried his countrymen, the Genoese, but without success. Then he went to Portugal. The King of this country listened to his arguments; but, wishing to have the honor of the discovery all to himself, he basely deceived Columbus, and sent out a vessel on the proposed course under another commander. The expedition, however, failed, as it deserved to do.

5. Columbus next turned to Spain, which was then ruled by the famous Ferdinand and his wife Isabella. He had by this time become so poor that on his way to the court he had to beg for bread for himself and his little son. On his arrival, he found the King and Queen engaged in a great war with the Moors. They had no time to listen to a poor sailor whom every one laughed at. Still Columbus would not give up. Full of his great idea, he waited for a more favorable time, supporting himself by making maps and charts.

6. At last he obtained the ear of Ferdinand, and pleaded his cause so earnestly that he almost convinced the King. But the long war had exhausted the royal treasury, and money was too scarce to be risked on an uncertainty. So Ferdinand resolved

respect to Asia ?-3. What confirmed Columbus in his belief that the Earth was round? What was he anxious to do?-4. Why did not Columbus set out at once on his voyage? To whom did he first apply for ships? Where did he then go? What did the King of Portugal do ?-5. Where did Columbus next go? By whom was Spain then ruled? What was the condition of Columbus at this time? In what did he find the King and Queen engaged? What was the consequence ?-6. At last, with whom did he obtain an interview? What

1491]

COLUMBUS BEFORE THE COUNCIL.

to take the advice of the wise men of his kingdom. Columbus appeared before them at Salamanca, to unfold his cherished plan. Here you see him arguing before the council.

7. But the wise men of Spain could not believe that a poor sailor knew more than they did. How, they asked, could the Earth be round? If it were, then on the opposite side the rain would fall upward; trees would grow with their branches down; and every thing would be topsy-turvy: Objects on its surface would certainly fall off the opposite side; and, if a ship by sailing west got around there, it would never be able to climb up the side of the Earth and get back again. How could a ship sail up hill?

was the result?-7. What was the opinion of the wise men of Spain? Men

8. Such was the reasoning of the wise men. By their advice, the King refused to furnish Columbus the ships he wanted. Who can describe his disappointinent, after waiting so many years? There was yet one chance. Perhaps Queen Isabella would listen to him with more favor. He obtained an interview

with her. Alas! she too was persuaded to refuse him.

9. Almost in despair, Columbus was on the point of quitting Spain forever, when a message from Isabella recalled him to court, with the glad tidings that the Queen had changed her mind. She had determined to fit out three vessels for the enterprise, even if she had to pledge her jewels to raise the necessary money.

THE

LESSON III.

DISCOVERY OF AMERICA.

1. On the opposite page is a picture of a ship in the time of Columbus. It looks quite different from a ship of the present day. The hull is much higher out of the water than that of modern ships and not so sharp in front. The rigging, too, is different. You see a little round box near the top of the central mast. Here a sailor was stationed to keep a look-out; and in battle men were placed there to shoot those who appeared on the enemy's deck.

2. With three such ships, two of which had no decks, Columbus set out on his voyage of discovery. So dangerous was it considered, that he could hardly get sailors enough to man his vessels. At last ninety men were obtained, and with these he sailed from Palos [pah'-los], a Spanish port, on the 3d of August, 1492. Columbus was now fifty-seven years old.

tion some of their arguments.-8. What conclusion did the King come to? What chance yet remained? What answer did Queen Isabella first make?— 9. What happened just as Columbus was about leaving Spain? How many vessels did the Queen promise him?

1. How did a ship of Columbus's time differ from one of the present day? -2. With how many ships did Columbus set out? What was thought of the voyage? How many men were obtained? From what port, and when, did