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1875
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From this reading It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.
agricultural
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From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.
America
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From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
Bartons
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From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.
broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
bustling
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From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
central
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From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
coal
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From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
coal-mining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
connects
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From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
corner
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From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
county
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From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.
Crossing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.
deep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.
desolate
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From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
downward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.
evening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
February
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.
fourthnounUS /fourth/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
Gilmerton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.
gorges
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.
gradients
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From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
groaning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
Helmdale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.
hidden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.
iron
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
iron-working
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
kept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
lay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.
lead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
lies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
line
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
lines
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
Merton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
Mountains
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.
numerous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
ore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
piled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
plain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
ploughs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.
population
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
purely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.
railroad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
rude
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
settlements
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
severe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.
siding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
single
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
slowly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
snow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.
Stagville
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
States
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
steam
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
steep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
sweeps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
township
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
tracknounUS /træk/
a route or signs showing the way someone went
From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.
train
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
trucks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
United
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
Valley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
Vermissa
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
wealth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.
winter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.
year
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.
