2198a. Markham, Richard. ABOARD THE MAVIS. Boston. 1880. 240 pages. Unusually decorated board covers. Includes 13 untitled chapters with black & white engravings and maps, many full page. It is told in this book how five boys and five girls cruise aboard the schooner “Mavis” about the east end of Long Island, and how, in addition to sundry good times, they learn somewhat of the early history of the Life-Saving Service, and of their country. “Every life-saving station is furnished with a small mortar, or cannon. When a ship goes ashore, and the surf is so heavy that a boat cannot be launched, the mortar, which is packed in a two-wheeled car, is dragged down to the very edge of the surf. Then it is loaded with a conical shot, to which a very light but very strong rope is fastened. It is, perhaps, more like a cord than a rope. This cord is coiled by the side of the cannon, and when all is ready the gun is fired. The ball flies through the air over the ship, if all goes well, and the line drops on deck.” Some illustrations include: Carrying a line aboard, the old way, Carrying a line aboard, the new way, The breeches buoy, Launching the surf boat, Half buried in foam and spray, Hauling the mortar-car, Night patrol burning the red light, etc. Quite an interesting difficult to find early novel with Life-Saving Service content, a scarce addition to your collection. Contents clean and tight, hinges intact. Most unusual decorated boards with moderate wear and bumping but still intact. (G+). $48.