Scotch terrier by the name of Cap; he is very black. When he wants
to get into the house he will stand on the porch and bark. Then if
we do not let him in, he will go to the other door and bump against
it. If we do not let him in then, he will go under the house or out
to the barn. I have a canary-bird whose name is Dick. He sings
every time we sew on the sewing-machine. I am a little girl nine
years old. I help mamma to wash the dishes and sweep the floor. I
am sewing carpet rags to-day. My brother is writing this letter for
me. We all think that "Mr. Stubbs's Brother" is very interesting.
"Toby Tyler" was the best juvenile story ever written; that is, if
you leave the judging to our family. I hope this is not too long to
be printed.
ARLIN EDITH H.
* * * * *
PALISADE, NEVADA.
I am a reader of your paper, and like it very much. I am interested
in "Mr. Stubbs's Brother." I read "Toby Tyler" in a book some time
ago, and liked it very much. I was glad to find out that "Toby" and
"Mr. Stubbs's Brother" were the same, and that I would learn more
about the funny boy and his droll experiences.
I notice that the little girls tell about their pets. All I have
are a dear little baby sister, an old cat, and a canary-bird that
sings sweetly. One day an accident happened to it; its leg was
broken, which made it very sad for a while. I attend school
regularly, but our school will close soon, and then the scholars
will have fun roaming over the hills for wild flowers. Good-by.
T. N. M.
* * * * *
The little lovers of puss are numbered by thousands, and every one of
them will stroke his or her own pet for Rosie's sake after reading this
pretty story:
Among the many pets we kept years ago, when living in the country,
were a beautiful but rather wild-natured cat and an aviary of
doves.
Judge of the dismay with which we found one morning that Rosie had
been shut up all night with these doves, and was even then lying in
an inner cage fast asleep in the same nest with two unfledged
little birds.
Of course the first impression was that Rosie had made a supper off
some of the inmates of the aviary, but, on counting them, not one
was missing, and the involuntary prisoner on being released was
found to be ravenously hungry, which made her forbearance in the
matter all the more extraordinary, and may well be noted as a
wonderful piece of self-denial.
* * * * *
AUSTEN, TEXAS.
This is the first year I have been taking your paper, and I like it
very much. Our home is called Honeysuckle Glen, because we have so
many honeysuckles; our yard is full of them. We have a great many
different kinds of birds that are building nests all around in the
trees and bushes in the yard. There is an old watering-pot hanging
out in the yard in one of the trees, and a pretty little wren has
built her nest in it. I am eleven years old, and I have a sweet
little sister two years old, with soft golden curls, fair skin, and
blue eyes. We have a sweet little canary, and it sings beautifully.
I have not the first numbers of "Talking Leaves." I am saving my
papers up, as I expect to have them bound some time. The new
Capitol building is progressing; it is going to be a grand
building. The old Capitol burned down last November, and I saw the
fire; it was a beautiful yet sad sight.
NELLIE B.
* * * * *
A USEFUL GANDER.
In a little village in Germany a gander used to lead a blind old woman
to church every Sunday, dragging her along and holding her gown in its
beak. As soon as she was seated in her pew the old fellow walked into
the church-yard, where he staid until the service was over; then he
appeared at the door, ready to lead his mistress home. One day a friend
called on the old lady, and was surprised to find that she had gone out.
"Oh," said her little grandchild, "there is nothing to fear; the gander
will take care of her."
* * * * *
THE LAMB AND THE PONY.
A curious friendship once existed between a lamb and a pony. The lamb,
which was purchased by a farmer in England from a passing shepherd, was
very wild, and grieved at being separated from the flock. It was an odd,
sturdy-looking creature with a black face. The farmer put it in a meadow
in company with a cow and a little white pony. The lamb took no notice
of the cow; but the pony seemed to captivate its heart at once. Wherever
the one went, the other followed. If people gathered, as was natural, to
look at the companions, the lamb would slip under the pony and pop out
its head between his fore or hind legs with an air of perfect security.
At night it went regularly to the stable, and slept in the manger near
its favorite. If, as sometimes happened, the pony was taken to draw the
farmer's wife to market, the lamb bleated pitifully all the time it was
away, and frisked about joyfully on its return.
One day, to test its love, its owner carried the lamb to a pasture where
a flock of sheep was grazing. The pony went too. In the course of the
day the farmer came after the pony, and mounting him, rode homeward.
Presently he looked behind. Yes, there came the shaggy black-faced lamb,
forsaking its own kindred, and rushing on its eager legs to overtake its
adopted friend.
Whether the pony returned this affection we do not know. It neither
resented it nor appeared weary of it, at all events.
* * * * *
PARIS HILL, MAINE.
I am only seven years old, and can not write very well, but I want
to tell you how much I like HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE. My grandfather
gave it to me for a Christmas present. I read the stories to my
mother. I liked "The Little Dolls' Dressmaker" so much! I was sorry
when it was finished. My home is in the highest village in Maine,
and we can see the White Mountains against the sky in the distance.
I do not go to school; my mother teaches me at home. I am afraid I
have written too much. Good-by.
MAYNARD M.
* * * * *
The Postmistress thinks that Bessie Alexander has written a very pretty
story about Carlos and the mermaid. But the story would have been
prettier still had the little boy come to life again here on earth. Make
it a rule, dear young contributors, to let your stories end happily. As
many smiles and as few tears as possible, little dears:
CARLOS AND THE QUEEN SEA-SHELL.
It was sunset. The last rays of the sun were cast over the placid
waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and lit up its surface with its
rosy light. In one of the many vessels which traversed its waters
was, among the other passengers, a child, a little Italian boy,
Carlos Arditi. He was in the care of his uncle, who was taking him
to his mother in Italy. Little Carlos then lay peacefully sleeping
in his little berth.
How different was the scene from that which took place two hours
later! The wind was blowing a terrific hurricane, and all was
confusion on board the ship. The Captain tried in vain to make the
sailors hear his commands, and even through the speaking-trumpet it
was impossible to hear him above the noise of the tempest. All
efforts to save the good ship were useless, and it soon fell on its
side, while the wind was blowing with terrific force. Some people
were clinging to the ship, while others were struggling in the
water, among whom was little Carlos. He had just taken hold on a
broken spar, when he saw a beautiful lily-white hand come up out of
the water by his side. It took him by the waist, and drew him below
the waves. When he was under-water he saw that a lovely mermaid had
taken him down to the bottom of the sea.
"I am the mermaid Queen Sea-shell," said she, in a voice which
murmured like a little brook which flows over the pebbles at its
bottom. "And," she added, "you are to stay with me, and you shall
never return to earth again. You will not find me unkind, and you
shall play in my beautiful garden, eat of the delicious fruits, and
pick all the flowers which grow there."
Until this time Carlos had remained silent. Now he said:
"Oh, dear Queen, I would stay with you, and oh, how happy would I
be! but remember the madre watching for her Carlos to come. If I
have anything good enough for you to take, take it in return, but I
must see the dear madre again."
"As you say, child," replied the mermaid. "Give me thy voice, and
thou shalt go. But first sing."
Carlos raised his large brown eyes to Sea-shell's face, and began.
The childish voice rose sweet and clear, but when the song was
finished Sea-shell shook her head.
"The waves sing as well as that," she said. "But list, child, give
me thyself as thou art on earth, and thou shalt go home."
Carlos did not answer; he only looked up at the sweet face before
him. He did not understand her. Suddenly an overpowering drowsiness
came over him, and he shut his eyes. When he awoke he was still by
Sea-shell, but no longer a mortal child, but a beautiful spirit.
"Come, Carlos," then said Sea-shell; "you are going home."
Then she wrapped him in her loving embrace, and carried him far
away above the mighty waters, and still farther up among the
clouds.
"Where am I going, dear Queen?" asked Carlos.
"To your home, child," answered Sea-shell; "and your home to you
now, little one, is heaven."
"But the madre?" he asked, eagerly.
"The madre will be with you," replied the Queen.
And the mermaid's promise came true.
BESSIE ALEXANDER, Philadelphia.
* * * * *
C. Y. P. R. U.
Most girls are fond of the needle, and enjoy the housekeeping duties
which fall naturally under womanly care. Here and there, however, we
find one who prefers to use a hammer and nails, to make boxes, hang
pictures, and mend broken tables and chairs. There is nothing wrong in
indulging such tastes, if you have them. In Atlanta, Georgia, there is a
young lady who practices the art of making shoes. Not long ago a
gentleman sent his little nephew with a pair of boots to be mended,
directing him to go to the nearest place. Returning, the child
astonished his uncle by remarking that "she" said so and so. Then it was
discovered that there was in the neighborhood a young girl under twenty
years of age, the daughter of a shoemaker, who daily works at the trade
herself, not only mending, but making in good style both boots and
shoes. For several years she has thus been engaged, and has won the
respect and patronage of a large circle of appreciative families. We
think this clever young girl deserves great praise.
* * * * *
TO PUZZLERS.--In sending your puzzles please state whether you wish to
have your full name, your initials, or your _nom de plume_ appear. Do
not make puzzles on the names of great and good men who have lately
died. We can not use the names of Longfellow, Emerson, or Dean Stanley
in puzzles, acrostics, or enigmas. By doing so we should show a lack of
proper veneration for the poets and thinkers whose death has made the
world sorrowful.
* * * * *
CONSTANT READER.--_The Bazar Book of Decorum_, published at $1 by
Messrs. Harper & Brothers, is a manual of information on the subject
which interests you. There is also a valuable book entitled _Social
Etiquette and Home Culture_, which is published in the "Franklin Square
Library." Its price is 20 cents, and it touches very pleasantly on most
points which concern good manners.
* * * * *
Little folks who love to play with the skipping-rope should not try to
jump too long at a time. "Keeping up" to fifty, sixty, or a hundred
without resting is violent exercise, and dangerous to health.
* * * * *
We would call the attention of the C. Y. P. R. U. this week to Part I.
of Mr. James Payn's description of the terrible scenes that followed the
wreck of the English ship _Wager_, told under the head of "Peril and
Privation." The story of "A Little Duke," by Mrs. Elizabeth Abercrombie,
gives an interesting picture of the life of a royal child in the
seventeenth century. One of the most remarkable incidents that ever
occurred in a sea-faring life is told under the head of "Saved by an
Albatross." What Mr. Roberts has to say about "Preparing for Fourth of
July" will, we know, set a great many busy fingers to work, the result
being some very pleasant effects in the way of illumination on the
evening of the great day.
* * * * *
PUZZLES FROM YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS.
No. 1.
TWO WORD SQUARES.
1.--1. A desolate country. 2. To decorate. 3. Compact. 4. A moment. 5.
One who finishes.
EMPIRE CITY.
2.--1. A holy person. 2. A marksman. 3. An idea. 4. A drink. 5. A
ringlet.
WILL A. METTE.
* * * * *
No. 2.
NUMERICAL CHARADE--(_To Empire City_).
My 1, 2, 3, 4 is an animal, so I've heard.
My 5, 6, 7 is an animal, not a bird.
My whole is a kind of cloth; now, mind,
In Webster's book its name you will find.
WILL A. METTE.
* * * * *
No. 3.
NUMERICAL ENIGMA.
My whole ought to be found in every house, and I am composed of 18
letters.
My 1, 2, 6, 4 is a musical instrument.
My 18, 2, 12, 17, 5 is a bird of prey.
My 8, 15, 10 is a pronoun.
My 7, 10, 12, 2, 3 is sweet.
My 13, 9, 14 is the name of a poet.
EUREKA.
* * * * *
No. 4.
DOUBLE ACROSTIC.
1. A Spanish word which means chalk. 2. A girl's name. 3. Permission. 4.
Creeping vines. 5. A girl's name. 6. A vessel. Primals and finals
compose the name of a celebrated Roman soldier and conqueror.
G. E.
* * * * *
No. 5.
THREE DIAMONDS.
1.--1. A letter. 2. Something that does not like the sun. 3. A kind of
nut. 4. A period. 5. A letter.
MARION.
2.--1. A letter. 2. To recline. 3. A journal. 4. To wander. 5. A letter.
3.--1. In spice. 2. Owed. 3. Bright. 4. Conclusion. 5. In youth.
ROBIN ADAIR.
* * * * *
No. 6.
BEHEADINGS.
1. I am an article of dress; behead me, and no family should be without
me.
2. I am what a boy's knife ought to be; behead me, and I am a musical
instrument.
3. I am a vessel; behead me, and I am part of the human body.
4. I am always to be found in a good dairy; behead me, and I am a
stationer's measure.
5. I am something useful on the table; behead me, and I am what no boy
should be at school.
6. I am a wild animal; behead me, and no boat should be without me.
7. I am a motion of the eye; behead me, and I am a useful fluid.
8. I am useful when one wishes to cross a river; behead me, and I am
part of a mountain.
ROGER DERBY.
* * * * *
ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN No. 136.
No. 1.
M-ark. F-rank. E-ben. E-van. O-bed. O-liver. T-heron. O-scar. K-ate.
M-abel. O-live. G-race.
No. 2.
America.
P C
C A T T O M
P A R I S C O M E T
T I N M E N
S T
No. 4.
Chattanooga.
* * * * *
Correct answers to puzzles have been received from Florence, Mabel, and
Annie Knight, "North Star," "Little Lizzie," Mary and Helen, Julia,
Edgar Seeman, Nelse Walton, Imogene Starr, Ella Dana, Maggie Phillips,
Richard Towers, Robbie and Freddie, "Twin Sisters," Carrie B. Kunkel,
Carrie V. Latimer. Mabel Sykes, Elvira Urisarri, Francis Arrowsmith,
Raymond Lincolnton, "Eureka," Harry Johnston, S. Brewster, John
Trotwood, Viola La Mont, Elsie Dee, Jack Chandler, William Holmes, Tom,
"Albatross," "Fern Heather," Margaret Lamb, Marion, "A. B. C.," and
Jacob D. Jais.
* * * * *
[_For Exchanges, see 2d and 3d pages of cover._]
[Illustration: COACHING.]
"ROME AND CARTHAGE."
This game is very popular with the school-boys of Havana, Cuba. It is a
very jolly, harmless sport, and would make a good summer pastime for the
boys of Northern schools when snow-ball fights are out of season.
"Rome and Carthage" is played as follows: The boys are divided into two
armies, each of which chooses its leader or general. Each side must be
provided with a banner. The game is played so much in Havana that the
boys there have handsome flags with "Rome" or "Carthage" worked or
stamped upon them, but any gay piece of flannel will do. The weapon is a
soft rubber ball, each soldier being provided with one or more. These
balls are very soft indeed, and will not hurt even when thrown with
great force. They cost very little when bought by the quantity. When the
armies are equipped, the two leaders draw lots to see which side shall
man the fort. Now in this country a good fort might be made in the open
field of logs and bushes. In Havana it is generally a platform built in
the court-yard of the school-house, as nearly all large buildings in
that city are built with an open square in the centre.
The army who defend the fort plant their banner near the centre in
front, while the attacking party station themselves about thirty feet
away, with their banner fastened securely in the ground. Then, at a
signal from the leaders, the fight begins in earnest, and the rubber
balls fly through the air in all directions. Whoever catches a ball in
his hand retains it as captured ammunition, and can return fire with it;
but if any soldier is so clumsy as to allow himself to be hit, he is
considered dead, and must immediately leave the ranks.
Ducking and scrambling to avoid the bullets occasion a great deal of
fun, and require not a little dexterity, while much skill is necessary
to make true and rapid shots. No wrestling or striking with fists is
allowed.
Presuming the Carthaginians to be the attacking party, they must make
great efforts to capture the Roman banner by assault; and if they can
successfully carry it past a line drawn about ten feet in front of the
fort, the Romans are conquered, and must yield the fort to the victors
and take the field themselves. If, on the other hand, the Romans can, by
making a sortie, capture the Carthaginian colors, or by skillfully
shooting the invaders save their own standard, they continue in
possession of the fortification.
The game generally lasts about twenty minutes, although a vigorous
assault will sometimes decide it much quicker. If in half an hour
neither party conquers, the armies are called to order, ammunition is
again equally divided, and the contest renewed. The question of
superiority is decided, as in many games of chance, by the best two in
three matches. If an army is proved by continued defeat to be worthless,
it is disbanded, and a new distribution of soldiers arranged.
* * * * *
THE FULL MOON OF COCOA-NUTS.
In Bombay, when the rainy season is over, the fishermen and their wives
and children gather by hundreds to keep a festival which they call "the
full moon of cocoa-nuts."
The feast occupies two whole days. The idea which inspires it is that
the sea is very powerful. The simple-minded people think they ought to
praise it because it gives them their bread, and so as they stand on
the shore they beg it to be good to them. They ask it, in caressing
words, not to be angry or stormy when their little boats shall go out,
and they tell it they hope it will give them plenty of fish.
Not only the fishermen, but owners of boats and ship-builders, and
sometimes rich merchants, go to the sea-side to court the favor of grim
old Neptune. Every person carries a gift of cocoa-nuts. Wading out into
the surf as far as possible, he flings the rough brown fruit into the
waves. After the cocoa-nut has been received by the billows, the devout
finish by offering a crown of flowers. The waters are covered with
beautiful wreaths and garlands, which are given in thankfulness for past
favors.
Little does the ocean care for the flowers and the fruit which are
poured into its depths. But the festival makes the grave men and women
as eager and happy as children, and when they go home, at the end of the
second day, they carry with them memories which will make them joyful as
long as they think of "the full moon of cocoa-nuts."
[Illustration: GOING TO SPEND THE SUMMER AT THE SEA-SIDE.]
End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Young People, June 27, 1882, by Various