Valentine himself was a priest of Rome who was martyred some time during
the third century, but he had nothing to do with the peculiar observance
of his day. In ancient Rome a great part of the month of February was
devoted to feasts in honor of Pan and Juno, during which the young men
drew by lot the name of their companion for the festivities. It is
supposed that this ancient custom changed gradually into the present
observance of the day. Many allusions to St. Valentine's Day are found
in English poetry of the earliest date, as the festival was much more
generally observed four centuries ago than now.
* * * * *
PEEKSKILL, NEW YORK.
I am a little boy eight years old. I want to tell you that papa
heard a bluebird sing in a chestnut-tree on January 11. I have six
cats and three ducks. One of my cats died last week, and I buried
her. Poor Susie!
S. B. H.
The little bluebird must have left its winter-quarters in the Southern
States, and travelled with the warm wave which swept northward in
January. It is to be hoped it will escape being frozen to death, and
live to sing its sweet spring song at a more seasonable time.
* * * * *
SHELBYVILLE, TENNESSEE, _January 20_.
I send you some flowers which grew in the front yard. The
buttercups and purple magnolias are blooming also, but I could not
press them to send them to you. I have seen some bluebirds and
redbirds. Many of our flowers are blooming. It is just like summer
out-doors.
E. B. COOPER.
* * * * *
HUDSON, WISCONSIN.
I have a little rabbit I like very much. It lives with the hens in
winter. Papa bought two in Chicago. They travelled to Washington in
a peach basket. When papa brought them home he gave one to me. The
other was drowned last summer in a hard storm. My rabbit likes
apples, potato skins, clover, grass, hay, and corn, and I must not
give it oats nor anything greasy.
CARRIE E. SILLMAN.
* * * * *
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.
I have a little dog named Fanny, who shakes rats, and cats too when
she gets a chance. She talks, and she shows her teeth when she
laughs, and sneezes when she is pleased.
LAURA B. W. (eight years).
* * * * *
WELLSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA.
As you have asked us to write about household pets, I thought I
would tell you about a pet fish we kept in a stone basin about
three feet square and two feet deep. We caught the fish in Cross
Creek, and brought it home in a bucket, and placed it in the basin.
It was a yellow bass about ten inches long and very pretty. It soon
got very tame, and would take a fishing-worm out of my fingers. It
committed suicide one night by jumping out on the floor and killing
itself. I have a sunfish in the basin now, but I don't expect it
will ever get so tame. There are four or five pretty redbirds
staying in our yard, and lots of snowbirds.
SAMUEL J.
* * * * *
NEW YORK CITY.
In YOUNG PEOPLE No. 11 there is an article on the Dead-letter
Office at Washington which mentions some curious things to go
through the mail. There are three more very queer things I would
like to mention. The first is two centipedes, which are on the
shelf with the snake; the second is an iron hitching post; and the
third is a live alligator about a foot and a half long. There is an
old record in the office of 1778, which lasted at that time eleven
years, but which, a clerk said, would last now about fifteen
minutes.
K. P.
* * * * *
GEORGE B. WEBSTER.--Coons are very fond of fish, and you might bait your
trap with salt cod-fish roasted to give it a strong smell. The sense of
smell of a coon is very acute, and it will rarely pass a trap baited
with any provender it can scent.
* * * * *
LOUIE E.--The song you require is not yet published, but will probably
be issued before long.
* * * * *
I. H. MIRKIL, JUN.--Any letters sent to the care of Harper & Brothers
will be forwarded.
* * * * *
M. AND E. N.--Early numbers of YOUNG PEOPLE can be obtained on
application to the publishers.
* * * * *
F. A. RIGGS AND ERNEST A. F.--You must inquire at your post-office for
missing numbers. They have all been mailed to your address.
* * * * *
CHARLES W. L.--The best way to understand the construction of certain
kinds of puzzles is to study the answers and puzzles together. You will
find some answers given in this number which will help you.
* * * * *
"GOLDEN," M. E. B., AND OTHERS.--We can not print puzzles unless
accompanied with full name and address, as guarantee that they are
original. Correspondents will please pay attention to this, as we have
been compelled to reject some very pretty puzzles because they came
without address. Never send old puzzles, as some have done, for they are
worthless. Be very careful to give a clear and correct definition of
words used in word squares, diamond puzzles, beheadings, acrostics, and
charades. One poor definition will spoil an otherwise excellent puzzle.
Do not take a name little known, like that of some Western town, to form
an enigma, for children in some other part of the country will find it
difficult to solve.
* * * * *
Favors are acknowledged from "Bessie," Canada; Mary A. Tucker, Nebraska;
H. Russell P., Homburg, Germany; Mary De Motte, Wisconsin; Hallie A. J.,
Minnesota; A. S. K., Missouri; Florence May, Michigan; Ollie M.,
Washington Territory. From Indiana--W. A. Burr, Allie W. F., H. I. Y.
From Illinois--Harry Atkins, Helen and Hattie. From Ohio--Hazie H. P.,
Vincent J. Nolan, James W. R. From Pennsylvania--Fannie K., Amy F. From
New York--George J. B., U. Weiler, Hattie Wagner, Anna L. A., May
Thornton, Irvie Easton, Grace P., Charlie L.; M. A. T. and F. V. B.,
Kentucky; Percy B. M., Massachusetts; Bertie, Washington, D. C.; Harry
Lovell, New Jersey.
Correct answers to puzzles received from N. L. Collamer, Washington,
D. C.; Samuel J., West Virginia; Florence Dickson, Delaware; Sallie
Teal, Oregon; Ernest B. Cooper, Tennessee; Arthur P. S., Wisconsin;
Dorsey Coate, Indiana; Albert W. J., Illinois; E. S. C., Michigan.
From Ohio--Belle M., Nellie B., Fannie Barnett, B. M. E. From
Pennsylvania--"Little Marie," Laura B. W., Eddie H. K., "Spot," Charles
H. C., Minnie and Florence M., Charles W. Lisk, Clarissa H. H. From New
York--Frank H. Dodd, F. W. P., O. G. Boyle, V. O., Allie D. D., George
K. MacN., W. E. Baker, Pauline G., Gus A. S., Bertie Reid, J. E.
Hardenbergh, Nena Crommelin, Rosie Macdonald; Alonzo Stagg, New Jersey;
Daisy B. H., Maine. From Rhode Island--Ella W., F. H. Vaughn, M. W. Dam,
Annie Baker. From Connecticut--William H. H., "Golden." From
Massachusetts--Ida G. Rust, E. A. Abbot, Frank M. Richards, E. Allen
Cushing.
* * * * *
PUZZLES FROM YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS.
No. 1.
ENIGMA.
My first is in good, but not in bad.
My second is in funny, but not in sad.
My third is in sit, but not in stand.
My fourth is in tune, but not in band.
My fifth is in pan, but not in pot.
My sixth is in clear, but not in blot.
My whole is a musical instrument.
SPOT.
* * * * *
No. 2.
DIAMOND PUZZLE.
A consonant. A vegetable. A South African animal. Cunning. A vowel.
SPOT (twelve years).
* * * * *
No. 3.
ENIGMA.
My first is in feel, but not in see.
My second is in run, but not in flee.
My third is in wasp, but not in bee.
My fourth is in friend, but not in foe.
My fifth is in seek, but not in go.
My sixth is in flour, but not in dough.
My seventh is in tin, but not in can.
My eighth is in grain, and also in bran.
My whole was the name of an eminent man.
E. S. C. (twelve years).
* * * * *
No. 4.
NUMERICAL CHARADE.
I am composed of 19 letters.
My 4, 9, 6 is a school-boy's game.
My 14, 9, 8, 11, 13 is something most children like.
My 17, 9, 18, 12 comes from the clouds.
My 19, 15, 3, 1 is part of a church organ.
My 2, 5, 4 is not cold.
My 10, 16, 11 is a boy's name.
My 13, 7, 9, 19, 15 is used in making bread.
My whole is the name of an interesting story for children.
NELLIE B. (seven years).
* * * * *
No. 5.
DOUBLE ACROSTIC.
To seize. To regret. A tune. Close to. To endeavor. Answer--two great
military commanders.
N. L. COLLAMER.
* * * * *
No. 6.
WORD SQUARE.
First, a crack. Second, a rope. Third, soon. Fourth, departed.
N. L. COLLAMER.
* * * * *
Answers to Puzzles in No. 11.
No. 1.
W A R.
A D A.
R A W.
No. 2.
Street.
No. 3.
Washington.
No. 4.
Athens.
No. 5.
Candle.
No. 6.
N or A.
E l L.
W e B.
A nn A.
R u N.
K e Y.
Newark, Albany.
No. 7.
No, I thank you.
No. 8.
HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE.
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Address
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A LIBERAL OFFER FOR 1880 ONLY.
HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE _and_ HARPER'S WEEKLY _will be sent to any address
for one year, commencing with the first Number of_ HARPER'S WEEKLY _for
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CANDY
Send one, two, three, or five dollars for a sample box, by express, of
the best Candies in America, put up elegantly and strictly pure. Refers
to all Chicago. Address
C. F. GUNTHER,
Confectioner,
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WOODEN WEDDING PRESENTS
Ready-made and to order.
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At LITTLE'S TOOL STORE, 59 Fulton St., N. Y. City.
Circulars free by mail.
6 months for 10 cents, on trial.
_Depuy's Monthly Miscellany_, a large 8 page newspaper. Sample free.
C. G. DEPUY, Syracuse, N. Y.
Old Books for Young Readers.
* * * * *
Arabian Nights' Entertainments.
The Thousand and One Nights; or, The Arabian Nights'
Entertainments. Translated and Arranged for Family Reading, with
Explanatory Notes, by E. W. LANE. 600 Illustrations by Harvey. 2
vols., 12mo, Cloth, $3.50.
Robinson Crusoe.
The Life and Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York,
Mariner. By DANIEL DEFOE. With a Biographical Account of Defoe.
Illustrated by Adams. Complete Edition. 12mo, Cloth, $1.50.
The Swiss Family Robinson.
The Swiss Family Robinson; or, Adventures of a Father and Mother
and Four Sons on a Desert Island. Illustrated. 2 vols., 18mo,
Cloth, $1.50.
The Swiss Family Robinson--Continued: being a Sequel to the
Foregoing. 2 vols., 18mo, Cloth, $1.50.
Sandford and Merton.
The History of Sandford and Merton. By THOMAS DAY. 18mo, Half
Bound, 75 cents.
* * * * *
Published by HARPER & BROTHERS, New York.
_Sent by mail, postage prepaid, to any part of the United States, on
receipt of the price._
MRS. MORTIMER'S
BOOKS FOR THE NURSERY.
* * * * *
Lines Left Out.
Lines Left Out; or, Some of the Histories Left Out in "Line upon
Line." The First Part relates Events in the Times of the Patriarchs
and the Judges. Illustrated. By Mrs. ELIZABETH MORTIMER. 16mo,
Cloth, 75 cents.
The volume is an attractive juvenile book, handsomely brought out,
rendering Scripture incidents into pleasant paraphrases.--_Northwestern
Christian Advocate_, Chicago.
* * * * *
More about Jesus.
More about Jesus. Illustrations and a Map. By Mrs. ELIZABETH
MORTIMER. 16mo, Cloth, 75 cents.
It consists of a series of stories, embracing the whole of the events in
the life of our Blessed Lord, told in a plain, simple style, suited to
the capacities of children of seven or eight years of age. But better
still, all good children's books are good for adults; and this will be
found equally useful to put into the hands of very ignorant grown-up
people, who may from this learn the story of man's redemption in an
intelligent manner. Many of the lessons are illustrated with pictures of
the places mentioned.
* * * * *
Streaks of Light.
Streaks of Light; or, Fifty-two Facts from the Bible for Fifty-two
Sundays of the Year. Illustrated. By Mrs. ELIZABETH MORTIMER. 16mo,
Cloth, 75 cents.
"This little work," says the author, "has received the distinguished
honor of being appointed to be one of the class-books of the Samoan
Collegians, and has been made to subserve the highest of all
purposes--the preaching of the Gospel. To that purpose it is adapted
when the hearers are untaught, untrained, and unreflecting. Each lesson
can be understood by those who have no previous knowledge, and each is
calculated to be the first address to one who has never before heard of
God or his Christ."
* * * * *
Reading without Tears.
Reading without Tears; or, A Pleasant Mode of Learning to Read.
Illustrated. Small 4to, Cloth. By Mrs. ELIZABETH MORTIMER. Two
Parts. Part I., 49 cents; Part II., 62 cents; complete in One
Volume, $1.03.
An easy, simple, and pleasant book for the tiny scholars of the
nursery-room. It contains a picture for every word of spelling capable
of pictorial explanation. The reading-lessons have been carefully
selected, being composed of the preceding spelling-lessons, by which
means, together with the picture meanings, the words are easily
impressed on the memory of a very young child.--_Athenæum_, London.
* * * * *
Published by HARPER & BROTHERS, New York.
HARPER & BROTHERS _will send any of the above works by mail, postage
prepaid, to any part of the United States, on receipt of the price_.
DU CHAILLU'S STORIES
OF
ADVENTURE IN AFRICA.
* * * * *
Stories of the Gorilla Country.
By PAUL B. DU CHAILLU. Illustrated. 12mo, Cloth, $1.50.
It is a capital book for boys. * * * The stories it contains are
full of the kind of novelty, peril, and adventure which are so
fascinating.--_Spectator_, London.
These stories are entertaining and are well told, and they are
calculated to impart much knowledge of natural history to youthful
readers.--_Boston Traveller._
* * * * *
Wild Life under the Equator.
By PAUL B. DU CHAILLU. Illustrated. 12mo, Cloth, $1.50.
The amount of enjoyment that was afforded to the children by the
previous work of this author, "Stories of the Gorilla Country," is
beyond computation. * * * We have read every word of "Wild Life under
the Equator" with the liveliest interest and satisfaction. No ingenious
youth of twelve in the land will find it more "awfully jolly" than did
we.--_N. Y. Evening Post._
* * * * *
Lost in the Jungle.
By PAUL B. DU CHAILLU. Illustrated. 12mo, Cloth, $1.50.
Full of adventures with savage men and wild beasts; shows how these
strange people live, what they eat and drink, how they build, and what
they worship; and will instruct as well as amuse.--_Boston Journal._
A whole granary of information, dressed up in such a form as to make it
nutritious for young minds, as well as attractive for youthful
appetites.--_Philadelphia Ledger._
* * * * *
My Apingi Kingdom:
With Life in the Great Sahara, and Sketches of the Chase of the
Ostrich, Hyena, &c. By PAUL B. DU CHAILLU. Illustrated. 12mo,
Cloth, $1.50.
In this book Mr. Du Chaillu relates the story of his sojourn in Apingi
Land, of which he was elected king by the kind-hearted and hospitable
natives. * * * We assure the reader that it is full of stirring
incidents and exciting adventures. Many chapters are exceedingly
humorous, and others are quite instructive. The chapter, for instance,
on the habits of the white and tree ants contains an interesting
contribution to natural history.--_N. Y. Herald._
* * * * *
The Country of the Dwarfs.
By PAUL B. DU CHAILLU. Illustrated. 12mo, Cloth, $1.50.
Hail to thee, Paul! thou hero of single-handed combats with gorillas and
every imaginable beast that ever howled through the deserts, from the
elephant to the kangaroo; thou unscathed survivor of a thousand-and-one
vicissitudes by fire, field, and flood; thou glowing historian of thine
own superlatively glorious deeds: thou writer of books that make the
hairs of the children stand on every available end; thou proud king of
the Apingi savages of the equator; hail! we say.--_Utica Herald._
* * * * *
Published by HARPER & BROTHERS, N. Y.
_Sent by mail, postage prepaid, to any part of the
United States, on receipt of the price._
[Illustration]
WIGGLES.
Here are some of the answers to the Wiggle published in No. 10 of
HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE. So many were sent in that it was impossible to
publish them all, and so our artist selected those that he considered
the best. Those that he used were sent in by J. R. S., J. B. G., M. E.,
A. T. Jones, Paul, D. C. Gilmore, H. and B., and Bert W. S., several of
whom sent a number of different figures.
Others, and some of them very good, were sent in by W. B. B., Ethel M.,
S. A. W., Jun., John Peddle, C. F., Nettie S. H., Willie H. S., Mabel
M., E. H. S., Hetty, M. Ward, Philip M., Amenio E. A., Willy H.,
H. W. P., J. L., Mary P., Archie H. L., C. B. F., R. S. M., W. A. Burr,
Percy B. M., Paul. B. T., E. S., C. F. C., Gracie C., Eva M., and Anita
R. N. Figure No. 8 is what our artist made of the Wiggle; and Figure No.
9 is a new Wiggle in two parts, which must be combined in one drawing,
though they must retain their relative positions.
THE LONG-EARED BAT.
A long-eared bat
Went to buy a hat.
Said the hatter, "I've none that will do,
Unless with the shears
I shorten your ears,
Which might be unpleasant to you."
The long-eared bat
Was so mad at that
He flew over lands and seas,
Till in Paris (renowned
For its fashions) he found
A hat that he wore with great ease.
* * * * *
=Another Sagacious Dog.=--In No. 11 of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE a story was
told of a sagacious newspaper dog. Having read this, a Western editor
sends the following story of his dog, in which he says: "My dog is a
beautiful Gordon setter, and has been so well trained that while the
carrier is delivering papers on one side of the street, Bob, the dog,
delivers on the other. He receives his papers folded, half a dozen at a
time, and going to the first place, lays the whole bundle down, and then
picks it up, all but one, and so on till they are all gone."
[Illustration]
HIS FIRST VALENTINE.
CHORUS OR ENVIOUS RIVALS. "Oho! Jimmy Dobbs is in Love!"