Eric Sloane

Sloane instructs readers how to glean climate information by "reading" such natural phenomena as winds, skies, and animal sounds. A beautifully illustrated and practical treasure trove of enlightening lore for outdoorsmen, farmers, sailors, and anyone who has ever wondered whether to take an umbrella when leaving the house. 87 illustrations.

Pencil sketches accompany descriptions of early American objects from the almanack and johnny-cake to the niddy noddy and zig-zag fence. Briefly discusses the use of the alphabet in early America.

Details the multivarled uses to which the early settlets put the native woods, including using some of it for medicinal purposes. Includes a section on some typical Americ trees and how to recognize them.