64
}
THE CHINESE ALMANAC.
The origin and history of ALMANACs, and even the etymology of the word, are involved in obscurity. Some derive it from the Arabic almanach, “to count," and others from the German almonat, the piece of wood on which it is said the Saxons used to carve the courses of the Moon. Several splendid English almanacs of the 14th century still exist in manuscript, in the British Museum. Almanacs were in general use in Europe, soon after the invention of printing. They were so mischievous in France, from the pretended prophecies they con- tained, that in 1579, Henry III. issued an edict forbidding the inser- tion of any predictions as to civil, state, or private matters. It is singular that the earliest English almanacs were printed in Holland, on small folio sheets. From an early period till within a few
years, the almanacs of most countries have contained predictions of the weather, earthquakes, political events, or lists of lucky and unlucky days for certain purposes: for example, to buy, sell, marry, take medicine, etc. At one time they abounded in religious matter, at another in astrologi- cal superstitions, and at others in the genealogies of princes, etc. At present they are becoming every year more full of statistical mat- ter. The "British Almanac" and its "Companion," and especially the "American Almanac," are invaluable repositories of facts on almost every subject. In Germany, almanach is the name given to annuals" like those known in America as “souvenirs,” etc. 'The first almanac of any note, published in the United States, was com- menced by Franklin in 1733, and continued till 1758. It is known as " Poor Richard's Almanac." The circulation of this soon rose to 10,000 a year. In 1749, it was embellished by some rude illustra- tions. The maxims and sentiments that gave it such wonderful popularity for that day, were collected and published through Europe, as the Sayings of Poor Richard." Some of the best of them are
such as,
(4
"Take this remark from Richard, poor and lame,
Whate'er's begun in anger, ends in shame." "Some men grow mad by studying much to know ; But who grows mad by studying good to grow "Against diseases here, the strongest fence
Is the defensive virtue, Abstinence."
"What maintains one vice, would bring up two children.' “A mob is a monster, witu heads enough, but no brains.” "Plough thorough and deep while sluggards sleep,
And you shall have corn to sell or to keep."
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