Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
The Boy Craftsman
The Boy Craftsman

Chapter XXVI

Chapter 26 of The Boy Craftsman is here in full — 6 sentences across 2 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Boy Craftsman
Context Illustration Reading 1/1 · 6 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 6
MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.
This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.
If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.
Figure 355 shows a railway set up and in running order.
As shown in the illustration, =The Trolley-line=, or overhead cable, runs around the wheels of two supports, one at either end of the track.
Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Boy Craftsman

Chapter XXVI

Chapter 26 of The Boy Craftsman is here in full — 6 sentences across 2 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/1 · 6 reading units · Lines 1–6

Line 1
MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.
/ˈmeɪkɪŋ ə tɔɪ ˈreɪlweɪ ɪt ɪz ˈɔːfən θɔːt ðæt ə tɔɪ ˈreɪlweɪ ɪz bɪˈɑːnd ə bɔɪz ˌɪndʒəˈnuːətiː tuː kənˈstrʌkt weˈræz ɪn ˌriːˈælətiː ɪt ɪz wʌn ʌv ðə ˈsɪmpləst tɔɪz hiː kæn meɪk/
Line 2
This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.
Line 3
If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.
/ɪf juː hæv pæst ðə eɪdʒ ʌv ˈkerɪŋ fɔːr sʌtʃ tɔɪz æz ðɪs juː wɪl noʊ daʊt ˌenˈdʒɔɪ ðə ˈmeɪkɪŋ ʌv wʌn fɔːr jɔːr ˈjʌŋɡər ˈbrʌðər ɔːr fɔːr wʌn ʌv jɔːr bɔɪ ˈrelətɪvz/
Line 4
Figure 355 shows a railway set up and in running order.
Line 5
As shown in the illustration, =The Trolley-line=, or overhead cable, runs around the wheels of two supports, one at either end of the track.
Line 6
Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

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.

applies verb US /əˈplaɪz/

third-person singular of “apply” — put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading “This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.”

cardboard noun US /ˈkɑːrdbɔːrd/

a stiff moderately thick paper

From this reading “This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.”

construct verb US /kənˈstrʌkt/

make by combining materials and parts

From this reading “MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.”

glue verb US /ɡluː/

join or attach with or as if with glue

From this reading “This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.”

simplest adjective US /ˈsɪmpləst/

superlative of “simple” — having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading “MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.”

strips noun US /strɪps/

plural of “strip” — a relatively long narrow piece of something

From this reading “This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.”

supports noun US /səˈpɔːrts/

plural of “support” — the activity of providing for or maintaining by supplying with money or necessities

From this reading “As shown in the illustration, =The Trolley-line=, or overhead cable, runs around the wheels of two supports, one at either end of the track.”

uprights noun US /ˈʌpraɪts/

plural of “upright” — a vertical structural member as a post or stake

From this reading “Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,”

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.

younger brother adjective + noun

In this reading “If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.”

three inches noun + noun counted as “three inch”

In this reading “Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,”

in diameter preposition + noun

In this reading “Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,”

in reality preposition + noun

used to imply that one would expect the fact to be the opposite of that stated; surprisingly

In this reading “MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.”

set up verb + adjective

set up or found

In this reading “Figure 355 shows a railway set up and in running order.”

strips of verb + particle counted as “strip of”

In this reading “This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.”

runs around verb + particle counted as “run around”

play boisterously

In this reading “As shown in the illustration, =The Trolley-line=, or overhead cable, runs around the wheels of two supports, one at either end of the track.”

All words in this reading · 107

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.

201

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

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

354

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

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

355

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

From this reading Figure 355 shows a railway set up and in running order.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

agenounUS /eɪdʒ/

how long something has existed

From this reading If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.

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 This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

appliesverbUS /əˈplaɪz/

third-person singular of “apply” — put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading As shown in the illustration, =The Trolley-line=, or overhead cable, runs around the wheels of two supports, one at either end of the track.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading As shown in the illustration, =The Trolley-line=, or overhead cable, runs around the wheels of two supports, one at either end of the track.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

beyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/

on the far side of; further than

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

bottlenounUS /ˈbɑːtəl/

a glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

boynounUS /bɔɪ/

a youthful male person

From this reading If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.

boy'snounUS /bɔɪz/

possessive form of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

brothernounUS /ˈbrʌðər/

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.

cablenounUS /ˈkeɪbəl/

a telegram sent abroad

From this reading As shown in the illustration, =The Trolley-line=, or overhead cable, runs around the wheels of two supports, one at either end of the track.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

cardboardnounUS /ˈkɑːrdbɔːrd/

a stiff moderately thick paper

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

caringnounUS /ˈkerɪŋ/

a loving feeling

From this reading If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.

carsnounUS /kɑːrz/

plural of “car” — a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

constructverbUS /kənˈstrʌkt/

make by combining materials and parts

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

descriptionnounUS /dɪˈskrɪpʃən/

a statement that represents something in words

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

diameternounUS /daɪˈæmətər/

the length of a straight line passing through the center of a circle and connecting two points on the circumference

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

doubtnounUS /daʊt/

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.

eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/

one or the other of two

From this reading As shown in the illustration, =The Trolley-line=, or overhead cable, runs around the wheels of two supports, one at either end of the track.

endnounUS /end/

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading As shown in the illustration, =The Trolley-line=, or overhead cable, runs around the wheels of two supports, one at either end of the track.

enjoyverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪ/

derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

FignounUS /fɪɡ/

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

FigurenounUS /ˈfɪɡjər/

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading Figure 355 shows a railway set up and in running order.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

fournounUS /fɔːr/

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

glueverbUS /ɡluː/

join or attach with or as if with glue

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.

illustrationnounUS /ˌɪləˈstreɪʃən/

artwork that helps make something clear or attractive

From this reading As shown in the illustration, =The Trolley-line=, or overhead cable, runs around the wheels of two supports, one at either end of the track.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

inchesnounUS /ˈɪntʃəz/

plural of “inch” — a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

ingenuitynounUS /ˌɪndʒəˈnuːətiː/

the power of creative imagination

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

makeverbUS /meɪk/

engage in

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

MAKINGnounUS /ˈmeɪkɪŋ/

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

markedadjectiveUS /mɑːrkt/

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

materialsnounUS /məˈtɪriəlz/

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

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

nailsnounUS /neɪlz/

plural of “nail” — horny plate covering and protecting part of the dorsal surface of the digits

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

oftenadverbUS /ˈɔːfən/

many times at short intervals

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.

ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Figure 355 shows a railway set up and in running order.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

overheadadverbUS /ˈoʊvərˈhed/

above your head; in the sky

From this reading As shown in the illustration, =The Trolley-line=, or overhead cable, runs around the wheels of two supports, one at either end of the track.

passedverbUS /pæst/

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.

pencilnounUS /ˈpensəl/

a thin cylindrical pointed writing implement; a rod of marking substance encased in wood

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

piecenounUS /piːs/

a separate part of a whole

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

piecesnounUS /ˈpiːsəz/

plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

PrepareverbUS /priˈper/

make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

RAILWAYnounUS /ˈreɪlweɪ/

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

realitynounUS /ˌriːˈælətiː/

all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

relativesnounUS /ˈrelətɪvz/

plural of “relative” — a person related by blood or marriage

From this reading If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.

runningadjectiveUS /ˈrʌnɪŋ/

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading Figure 355 shows a railway set up and in running order.

runsnounUS /rʌnz/

plural of “run” — a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely

From this reading As shown in the illustration, =The Trolley-line=, or overhead cable, runs around the wheels of two supports, one at either end of the track.

setverbUS /set/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Figure 355 shows a railway set up and in running order.

shapenounUS /ʃeɪp/

any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

shownverbUS /ʃoʊn/

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

From this reading As shown in the illustration, =The Trolley-line=, or overhead cable, runs around the wheels of two supports, one at either end of the track.

showsnounUS /ʃoʊz/

plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining

From this reading Figure 355 shows a railway set up and in running order.

simplestadjectiveUS /ˈsɪmpləst/

superlative of “simple” — having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

sizenounUS /saɪz/

the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

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

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

spools

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

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

stationsnounUS /ˈsteɪʃənz/

(Roman Catholic Church) a devotion consisting of fourteen prayers said before a series of fourteen pictures or carvings representing successive incidents during Jesus' passage from Pilate's house to his crucifixion at Calvary

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

stringnounUS /strɪŋ/

a lightweight cord

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

stripsnounUS /strɪps/

plural of “strip” — a relatively long narrow piece of something

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.

supportsnounUS /səˈpɔːrts/

plural of “support” — the activity of providing for or maintaining by supplying with money or necessities

From this reading As shown in the illustration, =The Trolley-line=, or overhead cable, runs around the wheels of two supports, one at either end of the track.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

threenounUS /θriː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

TOYnounUS /tɔɪ/

an artifact designed to be played with

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

toysnounUS /tɔɪz/

plural of “toy” — an artifact designed to be played with

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

tracknounUS /træk/

a line or route along which something travels or moves

From this reading As shown in the illustration, =The Trolley-line=, or overhead cable, runs around the wheels of two supports, one at either end of the track.

tracksnounUS /træks/

plural of “track” — a line or route along which something travels or moves

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

Trolley-line

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

From this reading As shown in the illustration, =The Trolley-line=, or overhead cable, runs around the wheels of two supports, one at either end of the track.

twonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading As shown in the illustration, =The Trolley-line=, or overhead cable, runs around the wheels of two supports, one at either end of the track.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

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

From this reading Figure 355 shows a railway set up and in running order.

uprightsnounUS /ˈʌpraɪts/

plural of “upright” — a vertical structural member as a post or stake

From this reading Prepare four pieces of wood the shape and size of that shown in Fig. 354 for the uprights of these supports, and make two wheels three inches in diameter. The wheels may be marked out with a piece of string and pencil as shown in Fig. 201,

wheelsnounUS /wiːlz/

plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)

From this reading As shown in the illustration, =The Trolley-line=, or overhead cable, runs around the wheels of two supports, one at either end of the track.

whereasconjunctionUS /weˈræz/

in contrast with the fact that

From this reading MAKING A TOY RAILWAY It is often thought that a toy railway is beyond a boy's ingenuity to construct, whereas, in reality, it is one of the simplest toys he can make.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

woodnounUS /wʊd/

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading This applies to the tracks, stations, and cars of every description, all of which can be made with a few strips of wood, some spools, nails, cardboard, and a bottle of glue, for materials.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.

youngeradjectiveUS /ˈjʌŋɡər/

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading If you have passed the age of caring for such toys as this, you will, no doubt, enjoy the making of one for your younger brother, or for one of your boy relatives.

Chapter 26 of The Boy Craftsman by A. Neely (Albert Neely) Hall holds 6 sentences, grouped into 2 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 26 of The Boy Craftsman contain?

Chapter 26 holds 6 sentences of The Boy Craftsman, unabridged, divided into 2 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 26 of The Boy Craftsman by A. Neely (Albert Neely) Hall exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 6 sentences, grouped into 2 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 26 of The Boy Craftsman?

Work through the 2 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 2 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 26 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 26 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 The Boy Craftsman

Common questions about reading The Boy Craftsman by A. Neely (Albert Neely) Hall on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Boy Craftsman?

Yes. All 2982 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #42650 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Boy Craftsman is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #42650, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Boy Craftsman take to read?

About 248 minutes of reading across 597 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Boy Craftsman section by section

How to work through The Boy Craftsman section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 34 chapters of The Boy Craftsman 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 The Boy Craftsman

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Boy Craftsman, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Cloth
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boy Craftsman; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Illustrated
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boy Craftsman; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Hundreds
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boy Craftsman; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Photographs
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boy Craftsman; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.