trees mentioned in the article in No. 83, you might write to the
postmaster of the place nearest the tree from which you wish to obtain a
leaf, and ask him if his little daughter or sister will kindly procure
one for you. A polite note, inclosing a stamped envelope, addressed to
yourself, for the reply, will probably receive attention. You must not
try this plan, however, until you have inquired among your friends, and
ascertained that none of them know anybody to whom they can apply.
* * * * *
C. WHITTY.--The specimen you inclosed in your note was sulphate of
copper, commonly known as vitriol.
* * * * *
STUDENT.--SHORT-HAND.--_Graham's Hand-Book of Standard Phonography_ is
an excellent guide to the art of rapid writing. If you study hard, and
follow the ample directions of Mr. Graham, taking every opportunity to
practice "short-hand" reporting, you will become an adept. You can order
this book through any bookseller, but Mr. Graham has an office at the
Bible House, Fourth Avenue, New York.
* * * * *
AURORA J. M. C.--The authors of whom you inquire are not related.
* * * * *
"NORTH STAR."--The President of the L. A. W. is Mr. Charles E. Pratt,
597 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts. The badge of the League
can only be procured by members.
* * * * *
J. WILMER COX.--A 36-inch bicycle will be large enough for you. You had
better get a bicycle known as the "Mustang."
* * * * *
John M. Faglon, 25 Columbia Street, Brooklyn, New York, changes his
offer for a bicycle from 36 to 40 inches to 42 to 46 inches.
* * * * *
HARRY R. H.--Fiske & Co., 98 Fulton Street, or Ben Day, 48 Beekman
Street, New York city, will give you the necessary information.
* * * * *
Willie and James Dudley withdraw from our exchange list.
* * * * *
MISS MARY T., W. F., AND OTHERS.--The address of Miss Judith Wolff is
care of Mr. D. A. De Lima, 68 William Street, New York city.
* * * * *
WASHINGTON.--The site of our national capital was selected by General
Washington, after whom it was named, and he laid out its general plan.
It seemed desirable that the capital of the entire country should not be
located in any State, and therefore the District of Columbia was set
apart for the purpose of holding it. Your history will tell you that the
District is formed of a portion of territory ceded by Maryland and
Virginia. The situation was a very convenient one at the time the site
of Washington was selected, and it still seems wisely chosen for many
reasons, though in the summer season it is subject to malarial
influences.
* * * * *
MISS J. F. B.--The answer to the Geographical Puzzle in No. 85 appeared
in No. 88.
* * * * *
L. G. R. wishes to beg D. Van Buren's pardon for having sent the wrong
stamps. She has just begun collecting stamps, and supposed those she
sent were official. She discovered her mistake after having sent her
letter. She will try to procure some real official stamps, and will send
them if successful.
* * * * *
Leola C. Carter's address is changed from Ashland, Nebraska, to Rosebud
Agency, Dakota Territory.
* * * * *
The following is a list of donations received previous to August 4 for
the Young People's Cot in St. Mary's Free Hospital for Children, 407
West Thirty-fourth Street, New York city. The next list will be
published October 4.
Otis M. Freeman, $3; Willie and Daisy Hinman, Brooklyn, N. Y., 70 cents;
V. N. Appleton, Boonton, N. J., 50 cents; Richard P. Appleton, Boonton,
N. J., $2; "Our Baby" Appleton, Boonton, N. J., $2; Bonnie T. Roodhouse,
Washington, D. C., $1; Edith B. Hanson, Damariscotta, Me., 25 cents;
Willie Lanksbury, Rochester, N. Y., 10 cents; Charlotte Jamieson,
Alexandria, Va., 10 cents; Elaine Massett, Plainfield, N. J., $1;
"Daisy," New York, 25 cents; Helena Carroll Frazier, Rye Beach, N. H.,
$1; James G. King, New York, 25 cents; Georgie Sherer, Scranton, Penn.,
25 cents; Bessie Sherer, Scranton, Penn., 25 cents; Mina and Aggie Hall,
Greenfield, Mass., $2; Alexander and Agnes Horsburgh, Christina and
Kittie Schmidt, and Hiram H. and Mary P. Bice, Utica, N. Y., $1.50;
Bessie Deming, Arlington, Vt., 25 cents; Julia Cracraft, Wheeling,
W. Va., $1; Lou ----, Summit, N. J., $1; Edith Worden, Meadville, Penn.,
$1; Anna and Levi Paxson, Reading, Penn., $1; Carl, New York, $2; John
P. Morrow, Cooperstown, N. Y., $1; Louis P. Dains, East Litchfield,
Conn., $1; Lillian E. Dains, East Litchfield, Conn., $1; Allie Mitchell,
Davenport, Iowa, 20 cents; Daisy Mitchell, Davenport, Iowa, 10 cents;
Willie, Josie, and Georgie Chamberlain, Mount Olivet, 60 cents; Charlie
W. Munson, Litchfield, Conn., 20 cents; Bessie W. Bolton, $1; Ora J.
Kinney, Chebause, Ill., $1; Eva V. C. Morris, Barton-on-Sound, $1;
Newbold Morris, Barton-on-Sound, $1; Lena Hutchins, Landaff, N. H., 25
cents; Allie and Lou, Lockport, N. Y., $1; Lussie Benedict, Norwalk,
Ohio, $1.25; Grace G. Cordell, Pleasant Hill, 25 cents; Bernard Major,
Jun., Petersburg, Va., $1; Lulu M. Noyes, Franklin, N. H., 25 cents;
Florence N. Nolan, Plainfield, N. J., $1; Evelyn W. Craft, Portchester,
N. Y., 50 cents; Charles Cruger Pyne, Morris Cove, $1; Bertha E. Smith,
Philadelphia, Penn., $1; Lewis Balch, Jun., Kingston, R. I., $1; Nellie
M. Nelson, Cold Spring, N. Y., 25 cents; H. S. Pernot, Bowling Green,
Ohio. 75 cents; Helen M. Prescot, Ticonderoga, N. Y., $1; Mary Leeket,
Chicago, Ill., 50 cents; Carl F. Moll, Tunnel City, Wis., 50 cents;
Arthur H. Moll, Tunnel City, Wis., 50 cents; Milly R. Noble, Menomonee,
Wis., $1; Lottie Noble, Menomonee, Wis., 50 cents; Jennie Noble,
Menomonee, Wis., 50 cents; Jimmie Noble, Menomonee, Wis., 3 cents;
Connie Rich, Red Wing, Minn., $1. Total, $45.53.
E. A. FANSHAWE, Treasurer.
* * * * *
From the many letters received by the Treasurer of the fund for the
Young People's Cot in St. Mary's Hospital, the following are published
to show how great an interest has been aroused among our readers by this
appeal to their sympathy:
TUNNEL CITY, WISCONSIN.
We read your letter in HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE, and wanted to help
endow the Young People's Cot right off; so my brother and I went
and picked huckleberries and sold them, and we each send you fifty
cents to help now. Perhaps we may get more after a while, and then
we will send it.
CARL F. M. (age 9 years).
ARTHUR H. M. (age 7 years).
P.S.--We inclose a one-dollar bill.
* * * * *
TICONDEROGA, NEW YORK.
I take HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE. Saw notice of July 26, with reference
to Young People's Cot. Inclosed please find my contribution of one
dollar for that purpose. I have agreed to go without candy for one
month, so that I may send my mite, with the hope that it may do
some trifling good at least.
HELEN M. P.
* * * * *
MEADVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA.
I only received my little paper last night, and as I always read
the little letters, yours was the first I saw. I send you one
dollar--all I have of my own. I had saved it to get me a doll; but
mamma says perhaps Santa Claus will bring me one if I am good. I
cheerfully give this to help endow a cot for the poor little sick
children, and hope you will get enough. I think HARPER'S YOUNG
PEOPLE is splendid. I read it all.
EDITH W.
* * * * *
DAMARISCOTTA, MAINE.
I received my HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE two hours ago, and I am very
much pleased with your plan about the Children's Cot. I am eight
years old, and I send twenty-five cents that I have earned myself.
I wish it was more. Yours truly,
EDITH B. H.
* * * * *
Answers to Railroad Puzzle in No. 91 have been received from Frank A.
Reilly, Hattie S. Becker, C. H. Nichols, "Rip Van Winkle," W. S.
Beekman, E. H. L. Randolph, Archibald E. Dietz, Edgar P. Earle, Walter
W. Norton, F. C. G., F. N. C., and F. P. Prindle, H. N. K., William A.
Bird, Jun., Ira B. Keeler.
* * * * *
Correct answers to puzzles have been received from J. B. Senior, George
Sylvester, _Frank L. Davis_, Clara M. Burt, "North Star," _Bert B.
Basset_, "Vi O. Let," Agnes G. Fletcher, "Starry Flag," Frank Lomas,
Eddie S. Hequembourg, Mabel Wilson, Howard A. Smith, "Princess Daisie,"
Susie Howes, _Augusta Low Parke_, Milton W. Dunn, H. N. Pleis, Fannie L.
Dard, "A. U. GUSTA," Edward L. Haines, Edward L. Hunt, Bessie W. Bolton,
Willie Jackson, "Pansy," "The Chums," Mima Gurnie, Agnes L. Fletcher,
"Phil I. Pene," "René," "Will O. Tree," N. G. Yerburg, Emma Roehm,
"Dandy," Lizzie C. Carnahan, J. Pendergast.
* * * * *
PUZZLES FROM YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS.
No. 1.
NUMERICAL ENIGMA.
I am composed of 14 letters. I am the name of one who was a great and
good man.
My 1 and 5 is an exclamation.
My 2, 6, 3 is a term used in music.
My 4, 13, 8 is the whole.
My 11, 12, 9, 10 is hard money.
My 11, 12, 3, 14 is a vegetable.
PRINCESS DAISIE.
* * * * *
No. 2.
EASY WORD SQUARES.
1. A poet. A river in Asia. To ramble. A tower.
2. A fertilizing earth. A disease. Destruction. Transferred for a time.
MABEL WILSON.
* * * * *
No. 3.
DIAMOND.
1. Last letter of that English word of one syllable which contains the
greatest number of consonants. 2. A weight. 3. Outward wrappings of
fruits or grains. 4. What is left when something is removed. 5. An
invigorating medicine. 6. An insect. 7. Fourth preceding letter from the
vowel used most frequently in the English language.
LILIAN ESTELLE.
* * * * *
No. 4.
THREE CHARADES.
My first is always. My second is durable. My whole is without an end.
W. E. A. W.
My first goes dancing down the hill
To grind the corn that comes to mill.
My second grows by night and morn,
And home at last is gayly borne.
My whole is beautiful to see,
And every boy is fond of me.
JOE.
My whole is an ornament to the garden. My first is famous for cunning.
My second is usually prized by young ladies, and disdained by
school-boys, and is an article in common use.
ARTHUR HOPE.
* * * * *
ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN No. 91.
No. 1.
Connecticut.
No. 2.
Daisies.
No. 3.
Leopard. Ape. Cat. Bat. Badger. Saw-fish. Rabbit. Grebe. Hen. Herring.
No. 4.
L E I S U R E
P F O U N D L
A L E R A K I
S A A R B I B
S Y N C O P A T E
I E T G T E R
V D C A T S A
E P I T C H L
L I B E R T Y
No. 5.
T R E E
R I G A
E G G S
E A S T
* * * * *
The following is the solution of Railroad Puzzle, on page 624:
1. The "first half" of the passenger train (including the engine) goes
down, and backs up on the switch.
2. The freight train goes up by the switch, and lets the "first half" of
the passenger train out on the main track below.
3. The freight train couples on to the "last half" of the passenger
train, goes down, then pushes up on the switch, and leaves it.
4. The freight train backs off the switch, and then goes ahead about its
business.
5. The "first half" of the passenger train backs upon the switch and
gets the "last half" of itself, and goes on about its business.
* * * * *
[_For exchanges, see third page of cover._]
[Illustration: FIG. 1.]
A STRING TRICK.
BY HELEN P. STRONG.
[Illustration: FIG. 2.]
Here is a wonder in which there can be no danger of imposition, for in
this you may let your audience have literally a finger. You ought to
practice this--and indeed every string trick--somewhat before you
venture to show off much; but having learned to do it quickly and
easily, you may with considerable confidence ask some one to hold up a
forefinger, as in Fig. 1. Slipping one end of your string over the
offered finger, and holding the other end by your own little finger,
catch up the left-hand string with the little finger of the right hand,
thrusting your middle finger between the strings precisely as shown in
Fig. 1. Now place the third finger of the left hand in the position
indicated by the dotted hand, using it to draw both strings to the left
at that point, while you draw the right hand in the opposite direction,
and finally place the middle finger of your right hand upon the end of
your neighbor's finger.
The hands will now be somewhat in the position shown in Fig. 2, and the
string will seem hopelessly entangled. The apparent complication,
however, has only prepared the way for unravelling the tangle, as will
appear if you loosen your hold of all parts of the string save the end
first taken, that which passes over the little finger of your left hand,
by which the string may be freely drawn away, though you still keep your
finger resting upon that of your neighbor. Your satisfaction in
accomplishing this feat will be enhanced by the fact that any false move
will result in fastening the borrowed finger in a slip-knot.
[Illustration: ANSWER TO FAGOT PUZZLE GIVEN IN No. 93.]
MOTHER'S DEAR TREASURE.
BY A. L. A. SMITH.
Down stairs in the kitchen is mother's dear treasure,
Desirous of helping, for "Topsy" is out;
Her face is lit up with the rainbow of pleasure,
And mother knows not what her darling's about.
"Oh my! dis 'tove's dirty--I fink I 'ill clean it."
So, taking the blacking and brush by her side,
She laid it on thick till, oh my! had you seen it
And her, I am sure you'd have laughed till you cried.
"Oh dear, I's so tired! I dess I'll be doing
Up 'tairs to my mamma, and tell her tome see;
I dess she can 'top for a minute her sewing,
And pay just a 'ittle bit 'tention to me."
But when this fond mother espied her wee daughter
Come toddling in, with her hands and face black,
She burst into laughter, then ran for some water
To see if her darling or Topsy'd come back.
[Illustration: WATERMELONS--A STUDY IN GREEN AND BLACK.]
End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Young People, August 16, 1881, by Various