These 11 listings are so strange that each appears in only one of the 7 encyclopedias we compared. They include such classics as Star of Bethlehem, Star Routes, Star Wheel.
in botany, Ornithogalum umbellatum; natural order Liliaceæ; a bulbous-rooted plant with white star-like flowers. It is common in many parts of Europe and is naturalized in some of the United States.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
a term used in connection with the United States postal service. Prior to 1845 it was the custom in letting the contracts for the transportation of inland mails, other than by railroad or steamboat routes, to give the preference to bidders who offered stage or coach service. This was abolished by act of Congress, March 3, 1845, which provided that the postmaster-general should let all such contracts to the lowest bidder tendering sufficient guarantee for faithful performance, without any condition except to provide for due celerity, certainty and security of transportation. These bids for such service became classified as "celerity, certainty and security bids," and for brevity were designated on the route registers by three stars (***) and known as star routes. Early in 1881 rumors were in circulation of extensive frauds in this branch of the mail service. It was charged that there was a "ring" to defraud the government in which were included some of the large contractors, the Second Assistant Postmaster-General, some of the subordinates in the department, a United States Senator, and others. Proceedings were begun, but no conviction was secured either on these charges or on others which were made in 1883.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
The wheel of the stop work which is pivoted to the barrel and also known as the Maltese cross.
Only in American Watchmaker and Jeweler
THE 59 Key on board the frigate "Surprise" in the course of the bombardment of Fort McHenry, Md., by the British fleet in 1814. The words on Key's suggestion were sung to the tune of "Anacreon in Heaven," which is supposed to have been composed by John Stafford Smith about 1773. The anthem, as soon as it became known, attained great popularity and the first public singing is said to have taken place in a tavern near the Holiday Street Theater, Baltimore, the singer being Ferdinand Durang. The moving character, both of the sentiments and the plants the melody, has placed it among the most thrilling any country. "The Star-Spangled Banner" (Washington, 1914), by O. G. T. Sonneck describes the evolution of the anthem, and contains different versions of the text and music. STARVATION or INANITION, the physical effect produced by the total want of food and water. The symptoms of starvation in man are: an increasing loss of weight, severe pain in the stomach, loss of strength, sleeplessness, great thirst, in some cases stupor, and in other cases nervous excitement with convulsions. Death occurs in about eight days. With a good supply of water, however, life may be prolonged, in the absence of solid food, for a period of two or three weeks, and cases have been known of persons surviving for two months and more. Gradual starvation may result from continued low percentage of nutritive elements in the daily diet.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
THE, the national anthem of the United States. It was written by Francis Scott
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
the right side of a ship when the eye is directed toward the head, stem, or prow.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
a town of East Pomerania, Prussia; on the navigable Ihna, 25 miles E. S. E. of Stettin. Its well-preserved walls are surmounted by handsome towers, and its chief buildings are the Gothic Marienkirche of the 16th century, with richly adorned interior, a Rathhaus of the 11th century, the quaint Protzensche Haus, and a higher Bürgerschule of 1860. It manufactures woolens, linens, leather, etc., and tradesin grain and cattle. Stargard, destroyed by the Poles in 1120, was raised to the rank of a town in 1229, joined the Hanseatic League, and was strongly fortified. It was important during the Thirty Years' War. Pop. about 27,500.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
JOHN Jersey, and at West Point in 1779-1780; and was one of the court which condemned Major André. After the war he returned to his farm. He died in Manchester, N. H., May 8, 1822.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
JOHN, an American military officer; born in Londonderry, N. H., Aug. 28, 1728; joined the troops under Major Rogers in the war against the French and Indians in 1754; rendered efficient service at Ticonderoga in 1758, and was actively employed in the subsequent campaign. In 1775, after the battle of Lexington he received a colonel's commission, and recruited a regiment which formed the left of the American line at Bunker Hill. In December, 1776, he marched with his regiment under General Gates to re-enforce Washington and was with him at the battles of Princeton and Trenton. In 1777 he resigned his commission, feeling slighted by Congress in its list of promotions. When, however, information was received that Ticonderoga had been taken, he set out at the head of a small force, met and defeated Baum's forces at Bennington, and likewise defeated the British re-enforcements of 500 men which Burgoyne had sent to Baum's aid. For this victory he was promoted Brigadier-General and later joined General Gates at Bemis Heights; but the term of his militia having expired, he returned to New Hampshire and recruited a new force. With these he cut off Burgoyne's retreat from Saratoga, and in 1778 was placed in command of the Northern Department. Later he served in Rhode Island, New
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
JOHN processes, which are protruded from the under surface of the arms. The nervous system consists of a gangliated cord surrounding the mouth, and sending filaments to each of the arms. The young generally pass through a free larval stage, and parthenogenesis seems to occur in Asterias. Starfish are extremely voracious, and are very annoying to fishermen by devouring their bait. They possess in a high degree the power of reproducing lost members and abound in all seas.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
a handsome singing, perching bird of Europe, about eight and one-half inches in length. The plumage of the common starling is of lustrous black. Some parts are iridescent with dark green, others with a steel blue, purple or violet sheen. The bill is yellow; the feet are red. The American red-winged blackbird is frequently, though incorrectly, called a starling. Starlings gather in flocks and live a life much like that of the blackbird. A few pairs of starlings were introduced by the fruitgrowers of Victoria, Australia, in the hope that they might prove helpful in destroying insects. They have multiplied until myriads hover over the orchard and pounce down on the ripening fruit. Like the English rabbit in Australia and the English sparrow in America they have become a serious pest. See Blackbird
Only in Aiton's Encyclopedia