It would often be interesting if we could trace back to their origin many
of the best known puzzles. Some of them would be found to have been first
propounded in very ancient times, and there can be very little doubt that
while a certain number may have improved with age, others will have
deteriorated and even lost their original point and bearing. It is
curious to find in the Solvamhall records our familiar friend the
climbing snail puzzle, and it will be seen that in its modern form it has
lost its original subtlety.
[Illustration]
On the occasion of some great rejoicings at the Castle, Sir Hugh was
superintending the flying of flags and banners, when somebody pointed out
that a wandering snail was climbing up the flagstaff. One wise old fellow
said:--
"They do say, Sir Knight, albeit I hold such stories as mere fables, that
the snail doth climb upwards three feet in the daytime, but slippeth back
two feet by night."
[Illustration]
"Then," replied Sir Hugh, "tell us how many days it will take this snail
to get from the bottom to the top of the pole."
"By bread and water, I much marvel if the same can be done unless we take
down and measure the staff."
"Credit me," replied the knight, "there is no need to measure the staff."
Can the reader give the answer to this version of a puzzle that we all
know so well?