Following the Equator: Chapter XXXV

Submitted by scott on Sun, 11/26/2017 - 13:27
Maori Women with Feather Robes

Twain begins this chapter by proclaiming the virtues of the New Zealand Railways, the Ballarat Flyer in particular. The Ballarat Flyer, however, seems to be a fictitious railroad. His 50 mile journey from Palmerston North to Whanganui was aboard "The Napier Express", which ran from Napier to Wellington, and not all of this line was as pleasant as the leg to Whanganui.

The War Memorial at Whanganui:

https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/moutoa-gardens-nz-wars-memorial

A Study in Scarlet

Submitted by scott on Sat, 11/18/2017 - 12:56

A study in Scarlet is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's first Sherlock Holmes adventure, a novel wherein much of the action takes place in the American West.  We are first introduced to John H. Watson, M.D., Late of the Army Medical Department.  Seeking a roommate, he is introduced to Sherlock Holmes.  The second chapter is an introduction to Holmes's Science of Deduction. Sherlock is invited to the scene of the crime in the third chapter by Scotland Yard detective Tobias Gregson, Lestrade is also present at the scene of the crime.