music enables you to entertain your friends agreeably. I am sure papa
likes to hear his little daughter's piano. Girls who play should not
grow tired of scales and finger exercises, but practice them faithfully,
and they will be repaid by becoming fine performers.
* * * * *
DAYTON, OHIO.
This is my first letter to YOUNG PEOPLE, and I hope to see it
printed before long. I write to congratulate the young naturalists
on beginning, and hope the society will prove a success. I would
like very much to join a society of this kind; but it is
impossible, as there are no boys and girls old enough in our
neighborhood to join.
ADDIE E. C.
You may be an independent member, and whenever you discover anything
interesting, report to the Post-office Box.
* * * * *
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.
This is the first letter I ever wrote to a paper, though my brother
and I have taken YOUNG PEOPLE since before Christmas. We live in
Philadelphia in winter, but in summer we stay at Cape May. We feel
very sorry for President Garfield, and I run to the bulletin-board
to see how he is as often as a new bulletin appears.
We have a splendid large Newfoundland dog. He was too large and too
curly to get an honor at the dog show, but we would not part with
him for anything.
FRANCIS R. P.
* * * * *
HUNTINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA.
I regard the Natural History Society as a very important
arrangement, and agree with Madison C., Jun., in all but one thing,
and that is that there should be no limited number.
GEORGE C. MCI.
* * * * *
AUBURN, MASSACHUSETTS.
I take HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE, and I like "The Cruise of the
'Ghost'" so much that I wish it would never end. I live in
Germantown, but am spending my vacation here. Before I came here I
went to West Newton, and saw a steam road roller which came from
England. I think it is great fun to make the wiggles.
W. S. N.
* * * * *
SAN AUGUSTINE, NEW MEXICO.
I have not been to school in my life. Mamma is going to get a
teacher. I am writing this myself. I have a sister twelve years
old; her name is Jessie. We have a pet pony, and his name is Billy.
We live on a ranch. Papa keeps the Post-office. I have taken YOUNG
PEOPLE since the first number.
EFFIE D.
* * * * *
SYRACUSE, N. Y.
I have a canary-bird named Dick, which I want to tell you about.
When he was a young bird, he was so small that he could get through
the bars of his cage, and one day, when he was hung out-of-doors,
he flew away, and staid all night. Early in the morning my mother
looked out of a window, and saw Dick on the porch, and she put the
cage out, and he flew into it. He is very tame, and will come on my
shoulder, and drink out of my mouth. I like HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE
very much.
Frank J. M.
No doubt the little truant was very glad indeed to find himself at home.
Once upon a time, a long while ago, we took care of a friend's bird
while she went away on a visit. The very day we expected her home, the
cage door was left ajar, and Fluff flew away over the trees, and the
garden wall, and out of sight. Imagine our despair. What to do we did
not know. Finally, we borrowed a neighbor's bird, a very sweet singer,
and set his cage and the deserted one, with its door open, side by side
on the window-sill. The little girl of the family sat in the shadow of
the curtain to watch, and two hours after our little fly-away came home,
allured, we thought, by the songs of our borrowed bird, and perhaps by a
thought of the nice fresh seed and cool water in his little house.
* * * * *
MARKESAN, WISCONSIN.
I am a little boy twelve years old, and live in Green Lake Co.,
Wis. I would like to tell the little readers of YOUNG PEOPLE about
the swarms of locusts we have here this summer. About half a mile
west of our village there is a high hill covered with large
oak-trees, and they are swarming with locusts, and they make a
roaring noise which sounds like machinery; we can hear them very
plainly down in the village. They have stripped some of the trees
quite bare of leaves. They are harmless little creatures, only
eating leaves of the oak.
I have a pure water-spaniel dog that will bring ducks out of the
water, and anything else that I wish. I take him to the post-office
and give him the mail, and tell him to take it home; he will take
it in his mouth and run home, and wait on the veranda until mamma
opens the door, and then he will wag his tail and seem so pleased.
Now I do so hope this will not go into the waste basket, as this is
the second time I have tried to get a letter printed.
EDDIE ATKINSON.
Why did you not tell us your dog's name? He must be a splendid little
fellow. What a pity the locusts should need so many leaves for their
dinners! We should be sorry to see the oak-trees stripped, and glad that
the locusts do not come every summer.
* * * * *
The following exchanges are offered by correspondents:
I live at Beverly, New Jersey, and am ten years old. I am making a
"Zoo" garden on a small scale, and will exchange a dried
balloon-fish or star-fish, or a spike from a wreck at Atlantic
City, for a small live snake, lizard, or gold-fish. "First come,
first served."
W. H. E., 238 S. Third St., Philadelphia, Penn.
* * * * *
ALBANY, NEW YORK.
This is my first letter to the Post-office Box. I am going away
soon. I like HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE very much. "The Brave Swiss
Boy," "Toby Tyler," and "The Cruise of the 'Ghost'" are about the
best stories. I will give a collection of one hundred and eleven
(all foreign) stamps--as Finland, Russia, Japan, Cuba, Portugal,
Brazil, Norway, Sweden, Newfoundland, Hong-Kong, etc.--for a good
collection of shells. Correspondents will please write before
sending. My address is
A. S., JUN., 258 Clinton Avenue.
* * * * *
Foreign stamps from Europe, East Indies, Bahamas, Cuba, and United
States, for stamps from Asia, Africa, South America, Oceanica,
Mexico, and Central America.
CHARLES L. MILLER,
Lock Box 108, Bristol, R. I.
* * * * *
Stamps from Denmark, France, Austria, Germany, Italy, Norway, and
Bavaria, for stamps from Mexico, Central America, Cape of Good
Hope, Japan, New Zealand, and Nova Scotia. No duplicates given or
taken.
L. B. CRANE,
229 East Nineteenth St., New York City.
* * * * *
Blue gum, cactus, orange, lemon, Spanish-bayonet, California moss,
and a stone from California, for Indian relics or other
curiosities.
R. H. DOWSE, P. O. Box 144,
Riverside, San Bernardino, Cal.
* * * * *
Five foreign stamps (no duplicates), for one Chinese or African
stamp.
MORISON C. MANCHESTER,
40 Lawrence St., Lowell, Mass.
* * * * *
One of Scott's albums containing 350 stamps, 300 very rare,
including 12 unused stamps, for a $2 printing-press.
G. B. DONNELLY,
331 Hicks St., Brooklyn, L. I.
* * * * *
Leaves of the oak and hickory trees near here, for leaves from
other places; or tree tulips, for foreign coins, or leaves from the
large trees of California or other famous trees. Label specimens.
J. B., P. O. Box 1179, Canton, Ohio.
* * * * *
Seeds, mosses, flint glass, ferns, wood, and leaves, for fairy
stories or a second-hand toy magic lantern.
E. A. SMITH, Conover, N. C.
* * * * *
Some French, German, and English stamps, for stamps from any other
country, or stamps for coins if more desirable.
WILLIAM F. SEALY,
811 Second Avenue, New York City.
* * * * *
Pieces of bark from the white cedar of Canada, for foreign stamps
and postmarks.
LIBBY AND ADELE TITUS,
P. O. Box I., Poughkeepsie, Dutchess Co., N. Y.
[_For other exchanges, see third page of cover._]
* * * * *
C. W. T., FLORIDA.--Florida was first visited in 1512 by Ponce de Leon,
who went there to look for the fountain of youth. In 1565, the Spaniards
built a fort at St. Augustine, and most of the country was held by Spain
until 1763, when Spain gave it to Great Britain for Cuba, which the
English had taken. The British kept Florida until 1781, when the
Spaniards drove them out. After the Revolution, the country belonged to
Spain until 1821, when it was sold to the United States. In 1845,
Florida became a State of the Union.
* * * * *
GEORGE C. McI.--The supply of bound volumes of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE for
1880 is exhausted.
* * * * *
We do not care to so much as mention the initials of one correspondent
who sent a very dictatorial letter to the Post-office Box the other day,
complaining because we had not published his exchange. Exchangers
usually understand that the convenience we give them in YOUNG PEOPLE is
a favor, and not a right; and if occasionally they are overlooked or
obliged to wait a while, they must remember what we have often told
them, that we print their offers as soon after receiving them as we can,
and as nearly as may be in the order we receive them. We are quite sure
the correspondent to whom we refer will regret his manner of writing
when he thinks the whole affair over calmly and coolly.
* * * * *
JACQUELINE.--There is but a limited demand for French translations, and
even experienced translators have great difficulty in finding publishers
to look at their work. It would be excellent practice for you to
translate the book you mention, but we do not think you would be
successful in procuring anybody to print it for you. Translation should
be literal, and elegant as well, and there is no better way of becoming
familiar with the idioms of French or any other foreign tongue than by
studying its literature, and rendering it into your own language.
* * * * *
ROBERT H. R.--Read article on "The Young Tin-Typers," HARPER'S YOUNG
PEOPLE No. 63, Vol. II.; and if that does not aid you, go to some
obliging carpenter for help.
* * * * *
"SILVER SAUL," JOHNNIE T. P., AND OTHERS.--You may send your puzzles for
examination if you wish. Birds' eggs are not allowed as exchanges.
* * * * *
FRED H. W.--We can not give addresses, nor arrange for private
correspondence.
* * * * *
William Shattuck, H. S. Buffum, Marion S. Hare, B. P. Craig, William H.
Paine, Joe S. McKnight, and Edward W. Smith withdraw from our exchange
list, their supplies being exhausted.
* * * * *
L. L. B.--The best authorities give _dec_-orative, which is the common
pronunciation. The present æsthetic whim is, however, to say
de-_cor_-ative. This usage is not yet general.
* * * * *
We can not adjust differences of opinion as to the worth of specimens
and articles exchanged. It would be well in most cases for exchangers to
have a brief correspondence by postal cards before sending their wares.
Thus trouble would be avoided in the end.
* * * * *
J. C.--Frederick William Nicholas Charles is the Crown Prince of
Prussia, and on the death of his father, the Emperor William, will
succeed him on the throne of Germany.
* * * * *
"CANOE."--The price of a Racine canoe is $75. Address E. G. Durant,
Racine Manufacturing Co., Racine, Wis., for circular.
* * * * *
"INQUIRER."--The size of a bicycle is the diameter of the front wheel.
On a 36-inch machine the "spools," or pedals, when the cranks are
horizontal, should be 22 inches from the saddle, or seat.
* * * * *
"IN EXPECTATION."--You can probably ride a 44-inch bicycle.
* * * * *
ED S. BECK.--Send to the Pope Manufacturing Co., 597 Washington St.,
Boston, Mass., for a book called _The American Bicycler_.
* * * * *
E. J. HATCH AND H. J. WHEELER.--See HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE No. 26 for
directions, with working plans, for building a canvas canoe. The fine
workmanship necessary in a cedar canoe could only be performed by an
experienced and skillful builder. The best and safest sails for canoes
are the triangular sails known as "leg-of-mutton," made of unbleached
muslin, having a hoist of eight feet, and the foot laced to a boom of
such a length that it will swing clear of the "dandy," or after mast.
The "dandy," or "mizzen-sail," as it is sometimes called, should have a
hoist of four feet, and a boom of the same length.
* * * * *
Correct answers to puzzles have been received from Mary H. Denny,
Charles H. Brooks, Enos H. Dyer, Charlie Trimble, Robert N. McMynn,
"_Lord Glenalvon_," _Percy L. McDermott_, "School-Boy," Frank S. Davis,
George Washington, "King Billy," "Vi O. Let," Lizzie C. Carnochan,
"Pickwick," "North Star," "Phil I. Pene," "Clem A. Tis," "Pepper," K. E.
Brown, _Maud M. Chambers_, F. Trafford, Mamie and Josie, Charlie
Trimble, Leo Marks.
* * * * *
PUZZLES FROM YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS.
No. 1.
EASY NUMERICAL CHARADE.
I am composed of 11 letters, and am one of the United States.
My 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 is to unite.
My 8 is one of the vowels, and perhaps the most important.
My 9, 10, 11 is to sever.
MURRAY C. B.
* * * * *
No. 2.
ENIGMA.
I am in drink, but not in eat;
Also in pea, but not in sweet.
You find me in ink, and not in pen,
In some little birds, but not in the wren;
Always in idle, and never in smart;
Likewise in sweet, and never in tart;
Also in lungs, and not in heart.
My whole are flowers which even a bride
Has been known to wear with grace and pride.
F. T.
* * * * *
No. 3.
EASY CONCEALMENTS.
Did you hear Leo pardon John? James ate a pear. Is Isaac at work in the
barn? Did you see Rob at the gate to-night? Do you know bad Gertrude? I
saw fish in the river as I came by. The Arab bit a sour apple. Her ring
was set with a diamond surrounded by pearls. Did Henry pass here to-day?
REBA H.
* * * * *
No. 4.
MALTESE CROSS.
Central Letter.--In choose.
Top.--Free. Establish. Generation. A letter.
Right.--Generous. Certain. An animal. A letter.
Left.--Patient. Placed. An insect. A letter.
Down.--Leave. Thickened. Tar. A small animal. A letter.
Centrals read downward.--A deputy.
Across.--A word signifying to contract.
WILL A. METTE.
* * * * *
No. 5.
WORD SQUARE.
1. A tall growing plant. 2. A gulf in Russia. 3. Easter morning food. 4.
Very comfortable.
S. T. McK.
* * * * *
ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN No. 88.
No. 1.
Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime;
And, departing, leave behind us
Foot-prints on the sands of time.
--HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW.
No. 2.
Cloves.
No. 3.
A T L A S
T O U C H
L U C R E
A C R I D
S H E D S
No. 4.
T R A P P E A R
R A N E A T
A N A T
P R
No. 5.
P P
E E L S E T
P E C A N P E D A L
L A D T A P
N L
* * * * *
A personation, on page 592--Beethoven.
* * * * *
OUR NEW SERIAL.
In No. 92 of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE, issued August 2, will appear the
first chapter of a new serial story entitled
TIM AND TIP;
OR,
THE ADVENTURES OF A BOY AND A DOG.
By JAMES OTIS, author of "Toby Tyler."
The story of "Tim and Tip" is that of a homeless boy and his faithful
dog, who follows him in all his wanderings, and shares in all his
adventures. It is full of incident on land and water, and those readers
who followed with such kindly interest the fortunes of Toby Tyler and
Mr. Stubbs, the monkey, will, we feel sure, sympathize equally with our
new hero and his four-footed companion.
HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE.
SINGLE COPIES, 4 cents; ONE SUBSCRIPTION, one year, $1.50; FIVE
SUBSCRIPTIONS, one year, $7.00--_payable in advance, postage free_.
The Volumes of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE commence with the first Number in
November of each year.
Subscriptions may begin with any Number. When no time is specified, it
will be understood that the subscriber desires to commence with the
Number issued after the receipt of the order.
Remittances should be made by POST-OFFICE MONEY-ORDER OR DRAFT, to avoid
risk of loss.
HARPER & BROTHERS,
Franklin Square, N. Y.
A RAILROAD PUZZLE.
BY THE DOCTOR
Dear "YOUNG PEOPLE,"--Not many days ago I was travelling on a railroad,
and here is what happened. The train on which I was riding came to a
stand-still out in the country, away from any dépôt. On looking out to
ascertain why we had stopped, I saw a long freight train just ahead of
us on the _same_ track, standing still, but headed toward us. In other
words, we were going _down_ the track, and they were coming _up_.
Between these two trains there was a switch, on which stood a "gravel
train." The engine of the "gravel train" was off the track, and so could
not back up on the switch, and give room enough for our train to get on
and let the freight train go by. In fact, there was only room enough on
the switch to accommodate half of our train. The question was, How were
we to get past each other?
Of course one of the trains could be backed up to a switch at the
nearest dépôt, and let the other by, but that was some miles away.
Neither did we wish to wait until the engine of the "gravel train" could
be put upon the track, and then back up to give us room on the switch at
hand. One or the other of these things would have to be done if some
method were not known by means of which--and the little piece of
unoccupied switch--we could accomplish our desire.
We did get past each other, occupying only twelve minutes, _leaving the
cars of each train in the same order in which they stood when we met_. I
give this to you for a puzzle. If any of you have fathers who are
railroad men, they must not tell you how until you have tried a long
time yourself. I give a little sketch, which you may use if it will make
things any plainer. The freight train was about three times as long as
the passenger train. From the beginning of the switch to the engine D
there is room for _not more than half_ of the passenger train; so if you
think that will help you any, you are at liberty to use it.
[Illustration: A is the passenger train, going down.
B is the freight train, going up.
C is the "gravel train," on the switch.
D is the engine of the "gravel train," off the track.]
A GAME OF BALL AS PLAYED IN JAPAN.
There is a Japanese ball game which is very popular in its native land,
and which might well receive some attention in this country. It is known
as "Temari." The "Temari" is a ball about two inches in diameter, and
made generally of cotton wound round with thread, so that it keeps its
roundness and is elastic. Its outside is often ornamented with figures
made of threads of different colors. A number of girls stand in a
circle, and one of them--say, for example, our friend Jessie--takes the
ball and throws it perpendicularly on the ground, and when it rebounds,
she strikes it back toward the ground with her open hand. If it rebounds
again toward her, she continues doing just as before. But if it flies
away, the one toward whom the ball flies, or who is nearest to the
direction of the flying ball, strikes it toward the ground, as Jessie
has done, and the game continues until one of the players misses her
stroke or fails to make the ball rebound. She then steps out of the
circle, and the others play again in the same way as before until
another girl fails and is obliged to step out. The same process
continues until there is only one girl left, to whom belongs the honor
of victory.
LULU TAKES CARE OF KITTY.
BY M. E.
They brushed the clothes, they beat the clothes,
One sunny April day--
Their winter clothes, I mean--and then
They packed them all away
In paper boxes tied around
With very strongest strings,
First freely sprinkling them with some
Tobacco dust and camphor gum,
And other sneezy things.
And when, their labor done, they took
Their tea and toasted bread,
"Why, where is kitty?" some one asked,
And "_I_ know," Lulu said;
"She's in my dollie's biggest trunk;
I brushed and beated her;
There can't not any moths, I dess,
Det into her nice fur.
She scratched my finders when I put
The camphor stuff about.
Div' me some toast that's buttered froo."
They left it all to her, and flew
To let poor kitty out.
COAL FOR NOTHING.
If any one wishes to be supplied with coal for nothing, he has only to
rent a house near a railway, invest in a monkey, and follow the example
set in the following story:
An eminent menagerist lived in a suburb where forty trains a day passed
his garden. The weather was cold, but coal was expensive. The
menagerist, however, was a man of resources, and conceived a plan for
utilizing the forty trains a day. From his menagerie in town he brought
a large Barbary ape, which unfortunate animal was chained to the top of
a pole at the end of the garden.
The result was as pleasant as owning a colliery, without any wages to
pay, or fear of floods and explosions. Every fireman, and occasionally
an engineer, on the passing trains, had a shot with a lump of coal at
the Barbary ape. The ape was never hit, but the garden was littered with
coal, which the menagerist triumphantly conveyed to his cellar.
[Illustration: "WHAT A PLEASURE IT IS TO SEE THE DEAR CHILDREN ENJOYING
THEMSELVES!"]
[Illustration: "GOING FAR?"]
End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Young People, July 26, 1881, by Various