MY AMERICA STORY BOOK which was written the name of every person by whose visit he felt greatly honored. Some one who knew him well says that he was a brave-looking, pleasant man with something very noble in his face. He was large and some what stout. In his old age he wore a broad-brimmed hat which covered his thick suit of white hair. He always wore a superfine, drab broad cloth coat with a straight collar and long waist coat. His manners, some one says, were those of a perfect gentleman—kind, generous, hospitable, dignified, pleasing, very modest and unassuming. He worked on his farm for his living, but found time to study all the books which he could borrow. He studied the Bible, history, biography, travels, romance, and other books, but his greatest interest was in mathematics. Like many other scholars of his day, he often amused himself during his leisure by solving hard problems. Scholars from many parts of the country often sent him difficult problems. It is said that he solved every one sent to him and he often sent in return an original question in rhyme. For example, he sent the following question to Mr. George Ellicott, which was solved by a scholar of Alexandria: A Cooper and Vintner sat down for a talk, Both being so groggy, that neither could walk. Says Cooper to Vintner, “I’m the first of my trade; There’s no kind of vessel but what I have made. And of any shape, Sir — just what you will; And of any size, Sir — from a ton to a gill!” “Then”, says the Vintner, “you’re the man for me — Make me a vessel, if we can agree. The top and the bottom diameter define, To bear that proportion as fifteen to nine; Thirty-five inches are just what I crave, No more and no less, in the depth will I have. Just thirty-nine gallons this vessel must hold, Then I will reward you with silver and gold. Give me your promise, my honest old friend?” “I’ll make it to-morrow, that you may depend!” So the next day the Cooper his work to discharge, Soon made the new vessel, but made it too large; He took out some staves, which made it too small, And then cursed the vessel, the Vintner and all. He beat on his breast, “By the Powers!” he swore He never would work at his trade any more! Now, my worthy friend, find out, if you can, The vessel’s dimensions and comfort the man.
III Inventor and Astronomer When Banneker was about thirty-eight years old he sat day after day working on a clock. Finally he finished it with his imperfect tools and with only a borrowed watch for a model. He had never seen a clock for there was not one, it is said, within fifty miles of him. An article published in 102