13. In 1732, Franklin first published his almanac, under the name of Richard Saunders. It was continued by him about twenty-five years, and was commonly called Poor Richard's Almanac. He endeavored to make it both entertaining and useful, and it accordingly came to be in great demand. As it was generally read, and as the poor people bought hardly any other books, Franklin thought it would be a good means to circulate instruction among them. He, therefore, filled all the odd spaces with proverbs and wise sayings. 14. These proverbs contained the experience and wisdom of many nations and ages. In 1757, Franklin collected them into a discourse prefixed to the almanac for that year. In this discourse, he represented an old man talking to a number of people who were attending a sale at auction. The hour for the sale not having come, the company were conversing on the badness of the times. 15. One of them called out to a plain, clean old man, with white locks, "Pray, father Abraham, what think ye of the times? Won't these heavy taxes quite ruin the country? How shall we be ever able to pay them? What would you advise us to do?" Father Abraham stood up, and replied, "If you'd have my advice, I'll give it to you in short; 'for a word to the wise is enough; and many words won't fill a bushel,' as Poor Richard says." 16. The old man then went on to advise them to be industrious and economical; and, in the course of his advice, repeated all of the wise sayings of Poor Richard. In this manner they were all collected into a single paper, called The Way to Wealth. This piece was very much approved, copied into all the American newspapers, reprinted in Great Britain, and translated into the French language. Large numbers of it were, in this manner, distributed, and undoubtedly did a good deal of service. * * * * * 2. What plan did Franklin propose for the formation of a library? 3. How did it succeed? How did Franklin propose to extend its advantages? 4. How many subscribers were obtained? 5. Did Franklin still pursue his studies, and how? Did his early habits continue? What was the proverb so often repeated by his father? 7. What was the conduct of his wife? 8. Describe Franklin's breakfast, and give his humorous account of the first appearance of luxury in his house. 9. What was Franklin's favorite project at this time? Repeat the table of virtues, and the precepts annexed to them. 10. How did he attempt to acquire a habit of these virtues? 12. To what does Franklin ascribe his long continued health? the ease of his circumstances? the confidence and honor he received from his country? 13. When did he first publish his almanac? How long was it continued? How did he endeavor to make it useful? 14. What was prefixed to the almanac for 1757? 16. How was _The Way to Wealth_ approved? CHAPTER VIII.