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The Cruise of the Snowbird
The Cruise of the Snowbird

Chapter IV

Chapter 4 of The Cruise of the Snowbird is here in full — 400 sentences across 80 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Cruise of the Snowbird
Context Illustration Reading 1/80 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
"Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.
But oh! boys! aren't _we_ going to live like fighting-cocks!
We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.
But what is this?
I can understand the dried herbs and celery seed, but Birmingham wares!
0:00 / 0:00
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
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A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Cruise of the Snowbird

Chapter IV

Chapter 4 of The Cruise of the Snowbird is here in full — 400 sentences across 80 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/80 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
"Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.
Line 2
But oh! boys! aren't _we_ going to live like fighting-cocks!
Line 3
We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.
Line 4
But what is this?
/bʌt wʌt ɪz ðɪs/
Line 5
I can understand the dried herbs and celery seed, but Birmingham wares!
/aɪ kæn ˌʌndərˈstænd ðə draɪd ɜːrbz ənd ˈseləri siːd bʌt ˈbɜːrmɪŋhæm werz/

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.

arrowroot noun US /ˈeroʊruːt/

a nutritive starch obtained from the root of the arrowroot plant

From this reading “We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.”

celery noun US /ˈseləri/

widely cultivated herb with aromatic leaf stalks that are eaten raw or cooked

From this reading “I can understand the dried herbs and celery seed, but Birmingham wares!”

curries noun US /ˈkɜːriz/

plural of “curry” — (East Indian cookery) a pungent dish of vegetables or meats flavored with curry powder and usually eaten with rice

From this reading “We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.”

dumplings noun US /ˈdʌmplɪŋz/

small balls or strips of boiled or steamed dough

From this reading “"Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.”

galore adjective US /ɡəˈlɔːr/

in great numbers

From this reading “We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.”

jams noun US /dʒæmz/

plural of “jam” — preserve of crushed fruit

From this reading “We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.”

jellies noun US /ˈdʒeliz/

plural of “jelly” — an edible jelly (sweet or pungent) made with gelatin and used as a dessert or salad base or a coating for foods

From this reading “We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.”

potted adjective US /ˈpɑːtɪd/

of plants; planted or grown in a pot

From this reading “We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.”

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.

preserved meats adjective + noun counted as “preserved meat”

In this reading “"Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.”

in addition preposition + noun

In this reading “"Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.”

among the crew preposition + article + noun counted as “among … crew”

In this reading “"Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.”

good things adjective + noun

In this reading “We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.”

All words in this reading · 84

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.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

additionnounUS /əˈdɪʃən/

a component that is added to something to improve it

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

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 We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

almondsnounUS /ˈɑːlməndz/

plural of “almond” — small bushy deciduous tree native to Asia and North Africa having pretty pink blossoms and highly prized edible nuts enclosed in a hard green hull; cultivated in southern Australia and California

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

aren't

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

From this reading But oh! boys! aren't _we_ going to live like fighting-cocks!

arrowrootnounUS /ˈeroʊruːt/

a nutritive starch obtained from the root of the arrowroot plant

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

baconnounUS /ˈbeɪkən/

back and sides of a hog salted and dried or smoked; usually sliced thin and fried

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

barleynounUS /ˈbɑːrli/

a grain of barley

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

beansnounUS /biːnz/

plural of “bean” — any of various edible seeds of plants of the family Leguminosae used for food

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

besidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/

in addition to; as well as

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

BirminghamnounUS /ˈbɜːrmɪŋhæm/

the largest city in Alabama; located in northeastern Alabama

From this reading I can understand the dried herbs and celery seed, but Birmingham wares!

biscuitsnounUS /ˈbɪskəts/

plural of “biscuit” — small round bread leavened with baking-powder or soda

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

bitnounUS /bɪt/

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

boysnounUS /bɔɪz/

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading But oh! boys! aren't _we_ going to live like fighting-cocks!

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But oh! boys! aren't _we_ going to live like fighting-cocks!

butternounUS /ˈbʌtər/

an edible emulsion of fat globules made by churning milk or cream; for cooking and table use

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

cabinnounUS /ˈkæbən/

small room on a ship or boat where people sleep

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading I can understand the dried herbs and celery seed, but Birmingham wares!

capersnounUS /ˈkeɪpərz/

plural of “caper” — any of numerous plants of the genus Capparis

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

celerynounUS /ˈseləri/

widely cultivated herb with aromatic leaf stalks that are eaten raw or cooked

From this reading I can understand the dried herbs and celery seed, but Birmingham wares!

coffeenounUS /ˈkɑːfi/

a beverage consisting of an infusion of ground coffee beans

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

crewnounUS /kruː/

the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

curriesnounUS /ˈkɜːriz/

plural of “curry” — (East Indian cookery) a pungent dish of vegetables or meats flavored with curry powder and usually eaten with rice

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

driedadjectiveUS /draɪd/

not still wet

From this reading I can understand the dried herbs and celery seed, but Birmingham wares!

dumplingsnounUS /ˈdʌmplɪŋz/

small balls or strips of boiled or steamed dough

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

fighting-cocks

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

From this reading But oh! boys! aren't _we_ going to live like fighting-cocks!

fishnounUS /fɪʃ/

any of various mostly cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates usually having scales and breathing through gills

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

forwardadverbUS /ˈfɔːrwərd/

at or to or toward the front

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

fruitnounUS /fruːt/

the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

galoreadjectiveUS /ɡəˈlɔːr/

in great numbers

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

goingnounUS /ˈɡoʊɪŋ/

the act of departing

From this reading But oh! boys! aren't _we_ going to live like fighting-cocks!

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

gotverbUS /ɡɑːt/

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

herbsnounUS /ɜːrbz/

plural of “herb” — a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests

From this reading I can understand the dried herbs and celery seed, but Birmingham wares!

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading But what is this?

jamsnounUS /dʒæmz/

plural of “jam” — preserve of crushed fruit

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

jelliesnounUS /ˈdʒeliz/

plural of “jelly” — an edible jelly (sweet or pungent) made with gelatin and used as a dessert or salad base or a coating for foods

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

kindsnounUS /kaɪndz/

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

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading But oh! boys! aren't _we_ going to live like fighting-cocks!

liveverbUS /laɪv/

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading But oh! boys! aren't _we_ going to live like fighting-cocks!

livingnounUS /ˈlɪvɪŋ/

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

lotsnounUS /lɑːts/

a large number or amount

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

luxuriesnounUS /ˈlʌɡʒəriz/

plural of “luxury” — something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

meatsnounUS /miːts/

plural of “meat” — the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

milknounUS /mɪlk/

a white nutritious liquid secreted by mammals and used as food by human beings

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

nameverbUS /neɪm/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

oatmealnounUS /ˈoʊtmiːl/

porridge made of rolled oats

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

ohnounUS /oʊ/

a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region

From this reading But oh! boys! aren't _we_ going to live like fighting-cocks!

peasnounUS /piːz/

plural of “pea” — seed of a pea plant used for food

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

pepperverbUS /ˈpepər/

add pepper to

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

picklesnounUS /ˈpɪkəlz/

plural of “pickle” — vegetables (especially cucumbers) preserved in brine or vinegar

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

porknounUS /pɔːrk/

meat from a domestic hog or pig

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

potatoesnounUS /pəˈteɪtoʊz/

plural of “potato” — an edible tuber native to South America; a staple food of Ireland

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

pottedadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːtɪd/

of plants; planted or grown in a pot

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

preservedadjectiveUS /prəˈzɜːrvd/

prevented from decaying or spoiling and prepared for future use

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

puddingnounUS /ˈpʊdɪŋ/

any of various soft thick unsweetened baked dishes

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

raisinsnounUS /ˈreɪzənz/

plural of “raisin” — dried grape

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

Rory

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

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

seednounUS /siːd/

a small hard fruit

From this reading I can understand the dried herbs and celery seed, but Birmingham wares!

suetnoun

hard fat around the kidneys and loins in beef and sheep

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

sugarnounUS /ˈʃʊɡər/

a white crystalline carbohydrate used as a sweetener and preservative

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

teanounUS /tiː/

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

they've

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

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading We have all the good things they've got forward, and lots of cabin luxuries besides--potted milk and potted meats, and potted fish of every name, and almonds and arrowroot, and curries and capers, and all kinds of fruit, and jellies and jams galore.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading But what is this?

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

understandverbUS /ˌʌndərˈstænd/

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading I can understand the dried herbs and celery seed, but Birmingham wares!

waresnounUS /werz/

plural of “ware” — articles of the same kind or material; usually used in combination: “silverware”, “software”

From this reading I can understand the dried herbs and celery seed, but Birmingham wares!

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading But oh! boys! aren't _we_ going to live like fighting-cocks!

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading But what is this?

WhynounUS /waɪ/

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

wouldn't

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

From this reading "Why," said Rory, "I wouldn't mind a bit living forward among the crew, for, in addition to preserved meats, and biscuits and butter, and barley, and bacon and beans, they have pork and potatoes, and pepper, and pickles, and peas, and raisins for pudding, and suet for dumplings, and oatmeal and sugar, and coffee and tea.

Chapter 4 of The Cruise of the Snowbird by Gordon Stables holds 400 sentences, grouped into 80 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 4 of The Cruise of the Snowbird contain?

Chapter 4 holds 400 sentences of The Cruise of the Snowbird, unabridged, divided into 80 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of The Cruise of the Snowbird by Gordon Stables exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 400 sentences, grouped into 80 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 4 of The Cruise of the Snowbird?

Work through the 80 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 80 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 4 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 4 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 Cruise of the Snowbird

Common questions about reading The Cruise of the Snowbird by Gordon Stables on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Cruise of the Snowbird?

Yes. All 4182 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #38276 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Cruise of the Snowbird is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #38276, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Cruise of the Snowbird take to read?

About 348 minutes of reading across 837 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Cruise of the Snowbird section by section

How to work through The Cruise of the Snowbird section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 10 chapters of The Cruise of the Snowbird 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 Cruise of the Snowbird

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Cruise of the Snowbird, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Cruise
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Cruise of the Snowbird; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Snowbird
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Cruise of the Snowbird; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Story
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Cruise of the Snowbird; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Arctic
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Cruise of the Snowbird; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.