school, and I have taken it at home from the first number. We are
soon to have an entertainment, which is going to be splendid. I
wish you could attend it. Our principal is a very nice man when he
has no boys to punish. I think he does not like to punish boys. We
have a very nice teacher. At the end of the last term the pupil who
had received the greatest number of merits was rewarded by an
elegant medal. Her name was Nellie A. The best writer received a
story-book, and the scholar with the highest average a silver
napkin-ring. Do you not think it is very nice for the teachers to
present the best scholars with handsome presents? In the last class
that I was in I received the medal. It was made out of solid
silver, with a bar attached to a round plate by a little chain. On
the bar the word Merit was engraved: on the medal there was a
wreath, inside of which were my initials.
C. F. K.
* * * * *
MOUNT PULASKI, ILLINOIS.
I am a little girl eight years old. My home is in Mount Pulaski,
Illinois. I am not going to school this winter. I have had the
typhoid fever, and now have the whooping-cough. My papa hears me
say my lessons at home, so that I may not get behind my class. I
read in the Fourth Reader, and study spelling, arithmetic, and
geography. I have two pet rabbits, and I keep them in a cage. They
are black and white. I shall turn them out in the spring. We have a
little niece at our house. She is two years old, and her name is
Ella. Her mother died last fall.
LENA A. A.
We are glad, dear, that you are safely through the typhoid fever, and we
advise you to study very little, and play a great deal for a good while
to come. Never mind if your class does get on a little faster than you
can. Health is more important for you just now than rapid progress in
study.
* * * * *
URBANA, OHIO.
I have taken HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE from the first number. My mamma
reads me all the stories and letters, and I enjoy them very much. I
have several pets: a white rabbit, which is very pretty, a
large-yellow-striped cat named Tiger, but called Tige for short,
and two canaries. I have also quite a case of butterflies, which I
caught last summer. Some of them I took when caterpillars, and fed
them until they spun their cocoons, and then watched them as they
came out. I am learning to read, write, and draw, but can not write
well enough yet, so mamma is writing this for me. I will not be
seven years old until next spring.
JAMES A. N.
* * * * *
STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA.
I think YOUNG PEOPLE is a very nice paper. I am nearly eleven years
old. I have a sister nine years old. A friend of mamma's told me
this story one day: A father was telling his little daughter that
the earth turned around once every twenty-four hours. The little
girl sat quietly on his knee for a few minutes, and then said,
'Papa, I do think I feel a little dizzy.' She lisped a little bit.
I got a great many nice things Christmas. Papa gave me a gold pen.
We have a pet canary-bird.
LOUIE E. P.
Did you write your letter with your new pen? We think so, it was so
beautifully written.
* * * * *
WENTWORTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
My brother Harry has taken YOUNG PEOPLE a year, and we like it very
much. I read about the little girls' dolls in their letters, and
want to tell them about mine. I have eight. Papa says he don't know
about supporting so many children for me. I had a large wax doll at
Christmas last year; her name is Jennie, a small one this year,
named Florence, and one named Mamie, and others named Budge, Todie,
and George. I have a very large cat named Nicodemus. There are no
children but my brother Harry and myself. He is thirteen, and I am
seven. Harry takes HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE and _Wide Awake_ magazine,
and I _Our Little Ones_ and the _Pansy_. I go to school when we
have one, and can read all our papers; but can only write in
printing, so I asked mamma to write this for me. Please give my
love to all the little girls.
L. ADDIE M.
* * * * *
SOUTH AMBOY, NEW JERSEY.
I am twelve years old. I am going to tell you about the little
canary-bird we have. When we first got him, several years ago, his
eyesight was perfectly good. We used to let him fly around the room
with another canary-bird we had. That canary-bird died, and the
other bird gradually got blind in one eye, and then in the other;
and now he is perfectly blind. But he sings from morning until
night. We have to cover him in the morning, he sings so early he
wakes us up before the time. You can hear him singing all over the
house during the day. Children, how much happier ought we to be,
who have our eyesight, than this poor little blind canary!
JULIA S.
* * * * *
HASTINGS.
I write to tell you that I have learned the names of all the Kings
and Queens of England, and the dates of their coronation; I learned
them in just one week. I have to walk nearly two miles to school. I
have no brother or sister; my sister Ella died one year ago, and
was buried on my ninth birthday. I want to tell you about a
trout-pond we have on our farm, and how we raise the little
speckled trout. We put their spawn on wire screens in a wooden
trough, and let spring water run through it. It takes about fifty
days for them to hatch. When they are hatched, they have something
attached to their stomach which is called a food sac, and on which
they live for about forty days. After that is gone we have to feed
them. Last winter we hatched twenty thousand, and expect to raise
as many more this year. Trout spawn in November and December, and
the eggs are hatched in the winter. A few weeks ago my father
noticed his screens had been disturbed in the night. We set a trap,
and in the morning it had a musk-rat caught in it. My auntie takes
HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE for me, and I am very glad every week when it
comes.
BERT CAMPBELL.
In what State is your Hastings? You forgot to tell us.
* * * * *
BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY.
I want to tell you all what a nice pony I have. My papa presented
him to me when I was eight years old. I call him Leander. Oh, he is
perfectly splendid! and although I am only eight years and a
_little over_, I can ride and manage him quite well. I know some of
the little girls, and boys too, would laugh to see me when I start
off to school, which is only six or seven squares from home. I ride
every morning on my pony, and there is a little colored boy named
Ed, who lives in our family, who likes to ride so well that he runs
along beside me to school so that he can ride home alone. He thinks
it is jolly.
I have the cutest little black-and-tan terrier, which I call Tim. I
just wish you _could_ see him. And then my papa and I have a very
fine mocking-bird, which we call Dick.
I saw the letter of dear Rosie K. B., and know her very well; so,
dear Editor, please put my letter in, and see if anybody can guess
who I am.
FLORENCE E. MCK.
* * * * *
BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY.
I am a little boy nine years old, and I have a little dog just the
same age, named Fannie. She has been my constant companion ever
since I was six months old. I have two white rabbits, one named
Floss and the other Fleece. I would like some of the little boys
who have had some experience in raising rabbits to tell me how to
treat them. I have the smallest little pony you ever saw. He is
nearly white. I call him Santa. I live in the sweetest little city
in Kentucky. We have nice hills to coast on in the winter, and the
finest river in the world to go swimming in in the summer; it is
clear as glass on account of its gravel bottom. We go up to a
sand-bar, and jump off the sycamore logs into the water over our
heads. Sometimes fishing parties of young ladies and gentlemen come
by in boats while we are swimming, and in trying to hide ourselves
we look like so many turtles sitting on logs. I have two brothers
older than myself. I have no sisters, but I have a darling little
cousin. I called her Little Buttercup once, and she said, "You
tan't dink out of me."
RICHARD T.
* * * * *
ABERDEEN, MISSISSIPPI.
We are two little Southern girls, and live away down in
Mississippi. We read the YOUNG PEOPLE, and like it ever so much. We
are little girl neighbors. Emma and Eugenia are our names. We are
great friends, go to the same school, and take music lessons.
Eugenia's mamma gave her a Christmas tree. Emma received on it two
nice books and a ring, and Eugenia one book, one talking doll, and
a work-box. Our tree was just too lovely. We had it in our parlor,
and some other little girls were here. We were just too happy. We
wish Christmas would come oftener, and are sorry when it is over.
We have three pet cats, two gray ones and one yellow one. Eugenia
is very anxious for a canary. Mamma had two; the cat caught one,
and the owl caught one at night. That was a long time ago. We have
violets and white hyacinths in bloom. Mamma has a great many
flowers.
If you do not think this too long, we would be so glad to see it in
print, as it is our first letter to the little people. Eugenia was
the first to take this little paper in Aberdeen, and now several
are taking it, mamma spoke so well of it to her friends. Emma has
three sisters.
EMMA and EUGENIA.
How we wish we had violets too! But we must wait a while in this
latitude for out-door flowers.
* * * * *
CLARA W.--Your little story about "May in Fairy-land" is very well
written, and we advise you to cultivate your taste for composition by
writing such stories frequently.
* * * * *
RUBY R.--Your dear little poem is put away safely in a pigeon-hole, but
not to stay there forever. If you have patience to wait until the year
rolls around again, you will probably see it in Our Post-office Box.
* * * * *
FRANK B. B.--You are very kind to read the stories in YOUNG PEOPLE to
your little sisters, and we are glad to hear about your fun with your
sled and velocipede. There is not room for your letter, nor for those of
at least a hundred other boys, but we will be pleased to hear from you
again. Why don't you solve some of the puzzles?
* * * * *
FLORENCE.--Read what I said to Rita in last week's paper.
Isn't it fun to put your dollies to bed at night? We hope you undress
them carefully, little girls, and fold up their garments, and put on
their night-gowns nicely. Here is a rhyme for you to sing to them when
they are going to sleep:
A BED-TIME SONG.
Hushaby, baby--now, baby, don't cry;
You are quite safe, dear, when mother is by.
Lullaby, dolly, lie still now, and rest,
Safe in your cradle as bird in a nest.
Hushaby, baby--now, baby, be good;
Only the naughty are angry and rude.
Lullaby, dolly, to-morrow you'll ride
Out in your carriage, with me by your side.
Hushaby, baby--you sweet little pet!
Mother is pleased when her baby don't fret.
Lullaby, lullaby, what shall I do?
For I am afraid I am half asleep too.
And as we do not mean to neglect the boys, here is a song for them:
HURRAH!
Hurrah for the ice,
For the snow and sleet!
Hurrah for the wind
That is fierce and fleet!
Hurrah for lessons!
Hurrah for fun
When lessons are over,
And school is done!
Hurrah for the boys
Who are full of glee!
Hurrah for old winter!
The time for me!
* * * * *
LUCY P. N.--Mr. James Payn is writing a series of articles descriptive
of thrilling adventures, experiences, and disasters. They appear under
the general title of "Perils and Privations," and will be given from
time to time. They will not be dependent upon each other for interest,
but each will stand by itself. We are glad you like such reading.
* * * * *
Thanks to Mary P. L. for the spray of trailing arbutus from her mother's
window garden. It must be delightful to have this darling of spring
perfuming the sitting-room in midwinter.
* * * * *
Little correspondents will please write their address plainly at the
head of their letter--town, county, and State--in every case. We like to
know where you live as well as who you are.
* * * * *
The Editor of YOUNG PEOPLE can not conduct any business or supervise any
correspondence which concerns exchanges. Exchangers must write directly
to each other, to the addresses given in the notices, and not to the
care of Messrs. Harper & Brothers.
* * * * *
Exchangers will please address Vaux Chadwick, 44 St. George Street,
Toronto, Canada. In No. 116 his name was incorrectly printed Vance.
* * * * *
C. Y. P. R. U.
Do you know, dear C. Y. P. R. U., that a princess named Kudsia Begum,
whose palace was at Bhopal, India, has lately died, leaving behind her a
very beautiful train of memories? This princess was very good to the
poor, and every month a great many aged and sick men and women received
a sum of money from her treasury. She also fed a great many forlorn
dogs; and as for the birds, hundreds of them built their nests around
her palace, and were tenderly cared for by the kind lady.
* * * * *
A Colorado correspondent sends us a slip from the Pueblo _Daily
Chieftain_, giving a thrilling description of the bravery of a boy
twelve years of age who was suddenly confronted by a savage beast. We
condense the account. The boy's name was Amos Bennett, and he lives at
the Carlile Springs Ranch. He started off one day lately, with his dog
Curly, to hunt rabbits, armed only with a gun loaded with small shot.
The boy and dog went up the gulch a little way, when the latter began to
tremble, whine, and take hold of his master's clothing, evidently urging
him to go back. Little Amos kept on, however, until, rounding a point of
rocks, he came on a huge mountain lion which had just killed a large
gray mare which was being wintered on the ranch. The monster left his
prey, and came gliding toward the boy, lashing his sides with his tail.
The boy stood perfectly still, his dog crouching at his feet. He waited,
with his gun cocked and thrown forward, ready for the assault,
determined to sell his life dearly. When the lion sprang into the air,
the boy took steady and deliberate aim, and fired when the animal was
high in the air, the charge entering the animal's mouth, and passing out
through the top of its head, going directly through the monster's brain,
and killing it instantly, the animal dropping dead at the boy's feet.
The beast measured eleven feet and three inches from the end of its nose
to the tip of its tail, and was one of the largest and most powerful
animals of the kind ever seen in this section of the State. The young
hero of this exploit says that he does not think he was much scared, but
does not care to have his courage tested in that way again.
Honor to the brave little fellow who did not lose his presence of mind
in those terrible moments.
* * * * *
Members of the C. Y. P. R. U. will find in this number, under the title
of "Picciola," a most interesting article by Mrs. Sophia Herrick,
illustrating some of the leading principles in the growth of plants. The
boys will be interested in an account by Sherwood Ryse of the Scottish
game of "Curling,", including the description of a match recently played
at Central Park. Aunt Marjorie Precept also gives us some excellent
hints how to act in sudden and dangerous emergencies, in her little
article entitled "Presence of Mind."
* * * * *
PUZZLES FROM YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS.
No. 1.
A NINE-LETTER DIAMOND.
1. A letter. 2. A spider. 3. Inclosed. 4. A provider. 5. Endured, 6.
Scolds. 7. To prevent by fear. 8. Certain foreign coins. 9. A letter.
RENGAW.
* * * * *
No. 2.
ENIGMA.
My first is in pen, but not in ink.
My second is in iron, but not in link.
My third is in wonder, but not in surprise.
My fourth is in danger, and also in disguise.
My fifth is in engine, and also in steam.
My sixth is in rafter, but is not in beam.
My whole is a something destructive and black,
And when it's in motion you'd better keep back.
PERCY F. JAMESON.
* * * * *
No. 3.
DOUBLE ACROSTIC.
1. Purchasing. 2. A thief. 3. A drug. 4. A long dress. 5. High regard.
Primals--The envied of her sex. Finals--A servant. Combined--The
happiest of men.
BOB.
* * * * *
No. 4.
A WORD SQUARE.
1. A city in France. 2. A part. 3. To rob. 4. A sluggard. 5. Prophets.
BOB.
* * * * *
No. 5.
A HALF-SQUARE.
1. To refrain. 2. The east. 3. Stiff. 4. German for leg. 5. Termination.
6. A preposition. 7. A letter.
W. D. M.
* * * * *
ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN No. 117.
No. 1.
Pine. Oak. Maple. Elm. Ash. Beech. Fir. Apple. Pear.
No. 2.
Whip-poor-will.
No. 3.
Tubular. Pollen. Web. Wapiti. Emeu. Deer. Metamorphosis. Antennæ.
Chrysalis. Fin. Ornithorhynchus.
With time and patience the mulberry leaf will become satin.
No. 4.
Clink. Clog. Lore. Wheel. Broom. Slush. Lash.
No. 5.
The letter R.
* * * * *
Correct answers to puzzles have been received from Jamie Richardson,
George E. McGreevey, "Gun Tzer," "Queen Bess," Belle T. Smart, Clara,
Nellie, John S. Payne, May and Harvey Ridgway. "Fill Buster,"
"Lodestar," S. Brewster, William A. Lewis, Georgie Wardell, H. Jacobs,
C. N. B., George P. Deacon, Anna F. Brown, Mabel Strobridge, Robert
Andrews, Jun., "Rengaw," Arthur E. Dornin, Frank Lomas, Georgie Wardell,
Jessie Godine.
* * * * *
Answer to Enigma on page 224--Courtship.
* * * * *
[_For Exchanges, see 2d and 3d pages of cover._]
A FIRST VALENTINE.
[Illustration]
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Here is a pastime for winter evenings that will compel the players to
keep wide awake unless they want to incur any number of forfeits. The
name of each person playing should be written on little pieces of card,
shaken together in a wide vase or bag, and drawn from it, so that all
the players have exchanged names, but they do not tell their new names
until they appear in the course of the game.
At the beginning, one player alone does not put in his name, and does
not draw for a new one. This player now stands in the middle of the
circle, questioning the others, ordering them about, and trying in every
way to take them by surprise, so as to make them answer or stir at their
real names.
After every ten questions or orders, the names are rapidly drawn from
the bag again. This leads to more and more confusion, because there
is an inclination not only to answer the sound of real names, but
that of the last names possessed. The questioner must have ten
counters--marbles, shells, or anything small--to give away, and a
counter has to be taken by any one who stirs for his own name, and by
any one who hesitates, forgetting to answer to the name which is drawn
by lot.
When the ten counters are given away, the questioner sits down, puts his
name in the bag, and draws out another name, the owner of which has to
be questioner instead, and goes at once to stand in the middle. It will
be his object to get rid of the ten counters now, and the object of the
players to keep their wits clear, and not be taken by surprise. The
questions and orders should go very quickly, thus: "Give me your hand,
Mary." "Ethel and Tom, change places." "Pull your hair, Alfred." "Kate,
look miserable." "Have you long holidays, Kate?" "Ethel, count your
fingers." Or, with a change of tone, "What a pretty locket, Mary!" when
perhaps Tom is Mary for the time being, and Mary must not so much as
stir her head.
The frequent changing of the names is necessary for the fun and
confusion in this game.
AN EXPERIMENT IN SWITZERLAND.
Scientific men have often to perform elaborate experiments for small
results, but in the present case the question at issue was both
interesting and instructive. Being desirous of testing the velocity of
sound between two places of different heights above the sea-level, two
Frenchmen arranged for a small brass cannon to be fired from the top of
a mountain in Switzerland (Faulhorn), and another from a little village
near Lake Brienz, 6500 feet lower than the former spot. The
cannon--which were those used by the homely villagers in their
festivals--were discharged twenty-eight times, and it was found that
though the speed of the sound was not affected by the height, there was
a very decided difference in the strength.
The report from the cannon at the lake was well heard on the
mountain-top, while that from the latter was feeble, the strength of the
sound being found to depend partly upon the density of the air at the
place of its production, and not at the place of its being heard.
Thus, in order to produce a sound whose intensity should be the same at
both spots, it was necessary to put eight parts of powder in the cannon
on the mountain for every seven used in the charge for the gun by the
lake.
[Illustration: FUN ON THE ICE--TREATING THE LADIES TO A SLEIGH-RIDE.]