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Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys
Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys

Chapter XXI

Chapter 21 of Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys is here in full — 112 sentences across 23 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys
Context Illustration Reading 1/22 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.
Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.
Everything from the back-yard lean-to and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.
The following ideas and suggestions may be of service, and they have all been tested in practical experience.
A Low Twin-tree Hut A very serviceable twin-tree hut is shown in Fig. 1, and it can easily be constructed, at a small cost, from ordinary boards and timbers.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys

Chapter XXI

Chapter 21 of Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys is here in full — 112 sentences across 23 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/22 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.
Line 2
Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.
Line 3
Everything from the back-yardlean-toand the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.
Line 4
The following ideas and suggestions may be of service, and they have all been tested in practical experience.
/ðə ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ aɪˈdiːəz ənd səˈdʒestʃənz meɪ biː ʌv ˈsɜːrvəs ənd ðeɪ hæv ɔːl bɪn ˈtestɪd ɪn ˈpræktəkəl ɪkˈspɪriəns/
Line 5
A Low Twin-tree Hut A very serviceable twin-tree hut is shown in Fig. 1, and it can easily be constructed, at a small cost, from ordinary boards and timbers.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

inaccessible adjective US /ˌɪnəkˈsesəbəl/

capable of being reached only with great difficulty or not at all

From this reading “Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.”

inexpensive adjective US /ˌɪnɪkˈspensɪv/

relatively low in price or charging low prices

From this reading “Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.”

retreats noun US /riˈtriːts/

plural of “retreat” — (military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading “Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.”

serviceable adjective US /ˈsɜːrvəsəbəl/

ready for service or able to give long service

From this reading “A Low Twin-tree Hut A very serviceable twin-tree hut is shown in Fig. 1, and it can easily be constructed, at a small cost, from ordinary boards and timbers.”

sylvan noun US /ˈsɪlvən/

a spirit that lives in or frequents the woods

From this reading “Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.”

tested adjective US /ˈtestɪd/

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading “The following ideas and suggestions may be of service, and they have all been tested in practical experience.”

timbers noun US /ˈtɪmbərz/

plural of “timber” — the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material

From this reading “A Low Twin-tree Hut A very serviceable twin-tree hut is shown in Fig. 1, and it can easily be constructed, at a small cost, from ordinary boards and timbers.”

unique adjective US /juːˈniːk/

radically distinctive and without equal

From this reading “Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

most delightful adverb + adjective

In this reading “TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.”

during the summer preposition + article + noun counted as “during … summer”

In this reading “TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.”

summer months noun + noun counted as “summer month”

In this reading “TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.”

other parts adjective + noun

In this reading “TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.”

in the woods preposition + article + noun counted as “in … woods”

In this reading “TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.”

over the country preposition + article + noun counted as “over … country”

In this reading “Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.”

All words in this reading · 108

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

1

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A Low Twin-tree Hut A very serviceable twin-tree hut is shown in Fig. 1, and it can easily be constructed, at a small cost, from ordinary boards and timbers.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

attractiveadjectiveUS /əˈtræktɪv/

pleasing to the eye or mind especially through beauty or charm

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

back-yard

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The following ideas and suggestions may be of service, and they have all been tested in practical experience.

boardsnounUS /bɔːrdz/

(used in the plural) the stage of a theater

From this reading A Low Twin-tree Hut A very serviceable twin-tree hut is shown in Fig. 1, and it can easily be constructed, at a small cost, from ordinary boards and timbers.

boysnounUS /bɔɪz/

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

BRUSH-HOUSES

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

CalifornianounUS /ˌkæləˈfɔːrnjə/

a state in the western United States on the Pacific; the 3rd largest state; known for earthquakes

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading A Low Twin-tree Hut A very serviceable twin-tree hut is shown in Fig. 1, and it can easily be constructed, at a small cost, from ordinary boards and timbers.

ChristmasnounUS /ˈkrɪsməs/

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

constructedverbUS /kənˈstrʌktəd/

past form of “construct” — make by combining materials and parts

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

costnounUS /kɑːst/

the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor

From this reading A Low Twin-tree Hut A very serviceable twin-tree hut is shown in Fig. 1, and it can easily be constructed, at a small cost, from ordinary boards and timbers.

countrynounUS /ˈkʌntri/

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

daysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

delightfuladjectiveUS /dɪˈlaɪtfəl/

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

drawnadjectiveUS /drɔːn/

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

easilyadverbUS /ˈiːzəli/

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading A Low Twin-tree Hut A very serviceable twin-tree hut is shown in Fig. 1, and it can easily be constructed, at a small cost, from ordinary boards and timbers.

EverythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/

all things; all of a situation

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

experienceverbUS /ɪkˈspɪriəns/

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading The following ideas and suggestions may be of service, and they have all been tested in practical experience.

FignounUS /fɪɡ/

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading A Low Twin-tree Hut A very serviceable twin-tree hut is shown in Fig. 1, and it can easily be constructed, at a small cost, from ordinary boards and timbers.

followingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ/

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading The following ideas and suggestions may be of service, and they have all been tested in practical experience.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

handyadjectiveUS /ˈhændi/

easy to reach

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The following ideas and suggestions may be of service, and they have all been tested in practical experience.

hutnounUS /hʌt/

temporary military shelter

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

HUTSnounUS /hʌts/

plural of “hut” — temporary military shelter

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

idealadjectiveUS /aɪˈdiːl/

conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence; embodying an ideal

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

ideasnounUS /aɪˈdiːəz/

plural of “idea” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading The following ideas and suggestions may be of service, and they have all been tested in practical experience.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

inaccessibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnəkˈsesəbəl/

capable of being reached only with great difficulty or not at all

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

inexpensiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪnɪkˈspensɪv/

relatively low in price or charging low prices

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A Low Twin-tree Hut A very serviceable twin-tree hut is shown in Fig. 1, and it can easily be constructed, at a small cost, from ordinary boards and timbers.

kindsnounUS /kaɪndz/

plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

lean-tonoun

rough shelter whose roof has only one slope

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

LowadjectiveUS /loʊ/

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading A Low Twin-tree Hut A very serviceable twin-tree hut is shown in Fig. 1, and it can easily be constructed, at a small cost, from ordinary boards and timbers.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

materialsnounUS /məˈtɪriəlz/

plural of “material” — the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

middlenounUS /ˈmɪdəl/

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

monthsnounUS /mʌnθs/

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

northernadjectiveUS /ˈnɔːrðərn/

in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

oftenadverbUS /ˈɔːfən/

many times at short intervals

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

one's

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

onesnounUS /wʌnz/

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

ordinarynounUS /ˈɔːrdəneri/

a judge of a probate court

From this reading A Low Twin-tree Hut A very serviceable twin-tree hut is shown in Fig. 1, and it can easily be constructed, at a small cost, from ordinary boards and timbers.

originaladjectiveUS /ərˈɪdʒənəl/

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

partsnounUS /pɑːrts/

the local environment

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

placenounUS /pleɪs/

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

practicaladjectiveUS /ˈpræktəkəl/

concerned with actual use or practice

From this reading The following ideas and suggestions may be of service, and they have all been tested in practical experience.

retreatsnounUS /riˈtriːts/

plural of “retreat” — (military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

rightadverbUS /raɪt/

precisely, exactly

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

rope-ladder

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

seasonnounUS /ˈsiːzən/

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

servicenounUS /ˈsɜːrvəs/

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading The following ideas and suggestions may be of service, and they have all been tested in practical experience.

serviceableadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrvəsəbəl/

ready for service or able to give long service

From this reading A Low Twin-tree Hut A very serviceable twin-tree hut is shown in Fig. 1, and it can easily be constructed, at a small cost, from ordinary boards and timbers.

sheetsnounUS /ʃiːts/

plural of “sheet” — any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

shownverbUS /ʃoʊn/

inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading A Low Twin-tree Hut A very serviceable twin-tree hut is shown in Fig. 1, and it can easily be constructed, at a small cost, from ordinary boards and timbers.

simpleadjectiveUS /ˈsɪmpəl/

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A Low Twin-tree Hut A very serviceable twin-tree hut is shown in Fig. 1, and it can easily be constructed, at a small cost, from ordinary boards and timbers.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

SouthnounUS /saʊθ/

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

southernadjectiveUS /ˈsʌðərn/

in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

spendverbUS /spend/

use up a period of time in a specific way

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

StatesnounUS /steɪts/

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

suggestionsnounUS /səˈdʒestʃənz/

plural of “suggestion” — an idea that is suggested

From this reading The following ideas and suggestions may be of service, and they have all been tested in practical experience.

summernounUS /ˈsʌmər/

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

sylvannounUS /ˈsɪlvən/

a spirit that lives in or frequents the woods

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

tentnounUS /tent/

a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

testedadjectiveUS /ˈtestɪd/

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading The following ideas and suggestions may be of service, and they have all been tested in practical experience.

TexasnounUS /ˈteksəs/

the second largest state; located in southwestern United States on the Gulf of Mexico

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The following ideas and suggestions may be of service, and they have all been tested in practical experience.

throughprepositionUS /θruː/

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

throughoutprepositionUS /θruːˈaʊt/

in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

timbersnounUS /ˈtɪmbərz/

plural of “timber” — the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material

From this reading A Low Twin-tree Hut A very serviceable twin-tree hut is shown in Fig. 1, and it can easily be constructed, at a small cost, from ordinary boards and timbers.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

toolsnounUS /tuːlz/

plural of “tool” — an implement used in the practice of a vocation

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

TREEnounUS /triː/

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

Twin-tree

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A Low Twin-tree Hut A very serviceable twin-tree hut is shown in Fig. 1, and it can easily be constructed, at a small cost, from ordinary boards and timbers.

uniqueadjectiveUS /juːˈniːk/

radically distinctive and without equal

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

UnitedadjectiveUS /juːˈnaɪtɪd/

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

vacationnounUS /veɪˈkeɪʃən/

leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

variousadjectiveUS /ˈveriəs/

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading Brush-houses, sylvan retreats, and tree huts of various kinds are made by boys all over the country, and some very unique and original ones are often constructed from simple and inexpensive materials.

well-built

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Everything from the back-yard “lean-to” and the tent of sheets to the tree huts that are inaccessible when the rope-ladder is drawn up may be made by boys who are at all handy with tools, and a well-built tree hut is an ideal place in which to spend one’s vacation days.

woodsnounUS /wʊdz/

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

yearnounUS /jɪr/

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading TREE HUTS AND BRUSH-HOUSES The most delightful season in the woods, throughout the northern and middle parts of the United States, is during the summer months, and in the South right up to Christmas; while in other parts of the country, through southern Texas and California, the woods are attractive all through the year.

Chapter 21 of Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys by Joseph H. (Joseph Henry) Adams holds 112 sentences, grouped into 23 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 21 of Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys contain?

Chapter 21 holds 112 sentences of Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys, unabridged, divided into 23 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 21 of Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys by Joseph H. (Joseph Henry) Adams exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 112 sentences, grouped into 23 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 21 of Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys?

Work through the 23 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 23 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 21 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 21 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys

Common questions about reading Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys by Joseph H. (Joseph Henry) Adams on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys?

Yes. All 3315 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #53705 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #53705, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys take to read?

About 276 minutes of reading across 663 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys section by section

How to work through Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 22 chapters of Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys

Words and structures a reader meets early in Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Story
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Great
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Inventions
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Uniform
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Harper's Outdoor Book for Boys; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.