Thursday, May 7, 2009

THE RIVER

Follow the river as it winds and bends
thru hamlets and towns…
M
E
A
N
D
E
R
I
N
G
DOWN.

Follow the river thru shady green coves
Where in deep pools the bass lay low.

Follow the river thru cities bold
Where barges and boats ferry their load.

Follow the river as it rolls to the sea,
And calls to you, "follow me!"

For those of you interested in waterways, we suggest you stop by the display case outside this room and take a look at some Bullis books on rivers and canals.

These volumes cover local waterways, such as the 1901 STATE OF NEW YORK REPORT ON THE BARGE CANAL FROM THE HUDSON RIVER TO THE GREAT LAKES, and distant rivers, THE NATURALIST ON THE RIVER AMAZONS, an 1875 "record of adventures, habits of animals, sketches of Brazilian and Indian life, and aspects of the nature under the equator during eleven years of travel," written by Henry Walter Bates.

You'll also see a copy of THE RIVERS OF GREAT BRITAIN, (RIVERS OF THE EAST COAST), with illustrations and maps, published in London, 1889, as well as an 1896 copy of Mark Twain's THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN.

Also for you Mississippi River enthusiasts, a "must-read" is DOWN THE GREAT RIVER, published in Philadelphia, 1889, and written by William Glazier. This is a wonderful armchair trip "embracing an account of the discovery of the true source of the Mississippi together with descriptive views and pictorials of the cities, towns, villages, and scenery." Some of the towns and villages mentioned are St. Anthony, St. Paul, Davenport, Rock Island, Saint Louis, Vicksburg, and Fort Snelling.

This is the time of year to get out and enjoy our rivers and other waterways. We encourage you to begin the season in the Bullis Room.

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