Chapter 15

A CLOSE CONTEST WITH THE HIGH SCHOOL.

The visiting team had changed their clothing in the gymnasium, and in company with some of the Hall eleven had set off for the grounds. Cole and Kimball had been trying for goals for some time, and when the rest came on they ceased practice and joined the eleven. After a few minutes' preparatory work in kicking and passing, the two teams stopped while the captains tossed up for choice of the ball or position. Cole won and decided to keep the ball. The referee was a member of the Whipford Athletic Club and the umpire was from Davenport. As both were well acquainted with the rules of the game, there was no question of any disputed point remaining unsettled. Time for the play was called.

"Oh, now, fellows," pleaded Ike Smith, "do your level best and beat 'em."

"You bet they will," said Archer, emphatically. "Look at George Shriver getting ready to spring at the ball. George means business and no mistake."

"And look at little Dick Percy dancing around with his hands ready for service," added Ike. "Isn't he a little wonder now?"

The ball was placed in the centre of the field. The rushers of the High School eleven stood leaning forward expectantly, waiting the moment of charging. They were obliged to stand ten yards from the front of the leather sphere, the movements of which decided the fate of the game. It was plain to be seen they knew their business and were of much superior stuff to the members of the Davenport and Jamesville teams. Their captain held the position of right half-back, and from that place gave his commands to the players, who were well trained and drilled in the intricacies of team work. On the other side the Hall team was the same that had played the game at Jamesville and looked like sure winners to a disinterested outsider. Wilcox and Mackerly were the substitute half-backs, and there were a dozen other players to be put on in case of necessity. But the latter named was still absent, much to the disgust of everybody, and as his non-appearance was unexplained, it was naturally put down to sulkiness and lack of school patriotism.

In the first exciting minutes his absence was not noticed by all, and attention was earnestly concentrated on the opening of the match that was to decide if Ripley Falls or Whipford should have the best chance for the pennant and should battle with the presumably successful Weston.

Teddy Taft, amid a death-like silence, advanced to the middle of the field, followed by all his supporters, and slowly picked up the ball.

He was the apex of a triangle of boys, who were ready to rush down the field the instant the ball was put into play. Dick Percy crouched behind him with extended hands ready to receive it.

The centre-rusher held the ball for a moment, and then passed it to the active quarter-back, who in turn passed it to Harry Kimball, and in the centre of the V, and protected by its side, the latter tore diagonally down the field for a gain of forty feet, until he was held by the rushers of the other side, who had finally broken through.

Quickly the teams lined up in the scrimmage, and Alan ran around the ends for a good gain.

Then, unfortunately, the Hall boys could not advance another yard, owing to the active tackling of the High School players, and on four downs, without a five-yard gain, the ball went to their opponents.

Then ensued a battle royal for the next quarter of an hour. Ripley Falls struggled hard to advance the leather into Whipford's land, with some small success, but being in danger of losing the ball on downs, it was passed to their full-back, who punted it away up the field close to the blue's goal-line.

It was caught by Cole, who no sooner clutched it than he was seized and held by the boys of the white and purple--the colors of the High School. He grasped it firmly, and was allowed a fair catch.

This gave Whipford the kick-off, and the ball was punted up the field with the whole eleven on its track.

Upon lining up for the scrimmage, McKenzie, the right end of the Hall team, broke through and was down on the captain of their opponents before the latter could run with the ball.

It was a big loss for Ripley, and when Adams, the left end, did the same thing an instant later, the noise from the Hall boys along the bounds was ear-piercing.

When it looked as if the captain of the High School eleven was good for a run the whole length of the field, with only Heathcote and Cole in front of him, and was very neatly stopped by the former with a gain of a few yards only and the loss of the ball, the racket was tremendous.

Then the blues did some tall playing. They had the ball and meant to keep it, and surely was it forced to within a couple of yards of the goal-line of the purple and white.

The next play of the Hall team settled the question, for when Dick Percy received the ball from Teddy Taft, instead of throwing it to Heathcote, as the enemy expected, it was passed over to Adams, who, with Shriver, Heathcote and Cole pushing him, crossed the line and touched the ball down amid the plaudits of their schoolmates.

As the touch-down was made near the centre of the goal immediately under the cross-bar, Cole had no difficult task to kick a goal.

It had been hard work, but was accomplished nicely, and the boys from Whipford felt highly elated, while the High School fellows looked mournful.

The first half ended without any further scoring, and the contestants threw their sweaters over their shoulders and retired to their benches for a rest, while their supporters talked the game over.

"I don't see Grant Mackerly," remarked a boy, looking over all the wearers of football costumes. "What in the world has become of him?"

"Well, he might as well stay away," declared the ever-ready Ike. "He's not needed in this game, anyhow. Alan Heathcote is doing the work of two like him. Now look how he stopped that half-back of the Ripley's! Wasn't that fine? Just like clock-work!"

"No question about that," admitted Archer. "I thought for sure that fellow was headed for a touch-down, but Heathcote brought him to grass as neat as a whistle. He certainly is a plucky player."

The sentiment among all the boys was practically to the same effect.

Meanwhile the conversation among the members of the team was of a decidedly earnest character. None of them shared the confidence of their schoolfellows in regard to winning by a large score, for they knew that the boys of the striped stockings had played a skillful and a bold game--a game that was persistent and wearing, and which might turn the tables the other way in the next half. So they took counsel together as they collected about their captain.

"Play a defensive game next half," directed the latter. "Don't try to roll up points, but let them do the struggling. We're ahead, and we must keep ahead. And, by all means, keep your eyes on those half-backs. I tell you that captain of theirs--Young, I think his name is--is a splendid player. He's full of tricks, and he hasn't showed us them yet, and I look for a surprise in the next half."

"I tell you," said Shriver, as he wiped the perspiration from his forehead, "that fellow opposite me is giving me all I care to attend to. I'm pretty nearly done up trying to get past him."

Cole looked alarmed.

"You're not going to peg out, are you?" he questioned. "I told you, Shriver, that you didn't pay enough attention to your training and kept too late hours. Now you see the result of it."

"I'll stand up against them," declared Shriver, "if I have to be carried off the field in a wheelbarrow. Never worry for me, Cole."

"Time!" called the umpire at this point.

"Well, now for the pennant, boys," said Cole, encouragingly.

And the two elevens walked out for the last effort.

"High School's ball," announced the referee.

And on the word that team pounced upon it and carried it ten yards down the field toward Whipford's goal.

The vim and energy of their playing was certainly phenomenal, and they dashed aside the opposition like charging war horses. Next a most alarming thing occurred, and it was no easy matter to say how it happened. It was one of the tricks of that captain of the High School eleven. His team had gained no ground since the first rush, and, rather than give the ball to his adversaries openly, it was expected that on the eve of the fourth down he would send it to the full-back for a kick. But before any one could realize the trick, the quarter-back threw the oval to the left half-back, and that player dashed through an opening in the rush line between Emmons and Blake, respectively the right guard and right tackle of the Hall, and, before he could be stopped by Kimball and Cole on that side, had made fully thirty yards.

Everybody was dumfounded but the High School boys, who waved their purple and white flags and shrieked themselves hoarse. It was certainly a fine play, and merited all the applause it received.

It brought the ball to within a yard of Whipford's goal-line. Do all they could, it was an impossibility to stop the next move, which was to force the right-guard of the Ripley Falls team across the line and score a touch-down.

As the goal was kicked from it, a sigh of despair arose from three-score youthful Whipford followers, and three-score hearts felt as heavy as lead.

Their eleven had lost the lead, and the points were even on each side--six to six.

What would the rushing team of the High School do next?

[TO BE CONTINUED.]

COLORADO SNOW FLEA.

The observing Colorado miner cannot furnish you scientific names, yet he will tell you at once that red snow is caused by the snow flea. The snow flea is very small. It would require about fifty of them to equal their larger brother of the East in size.

A person walking upright might think the snow covered by a very fine dust, but if your eyes are good, and you place your face within eighteen or twenty inches of the snow, you can easily discern the snow flea. Although so small as to be almost imperceptible to the naked eye, yet they are most active, jumping from twelve to fifteen inches.

To the naked eye they appear to be dark brown in color, but under a good microscope they would be found to be a reddish brown. During cold weather they stay under the bark of trees, but when it is a nice, warm day, and the sun shines brightly, you can find them on the southern and eastern slopes of the mountains, where they can get the direct rays of the sun.

During the day they will ascend the mountains, sometimes far above the timber line. When the sun disappears and it gets cold, the snow flea freezes to death. During the winter great numbers will be thus frozen, and their dead bodies color the snow.

Foot trails upon the south and east sides of the mountains will, if it be a hard winter, be colored, for when the snow flea strikes a deep trail through the snow, millions upon millions of them never get out, but perish from the cold dining the night. Besides, a man with a good-sized foot might kill from one thousand to ten thousand of them every step.

The snow flea favors the south and east sides of the mountains, and it is there you will find the red snow. The non-observing will say there is no such thing as snow fleas, because they have never seen them, but you can easily prove to them, if you will look upon the right kind of a day, that they do exist in countless numbers.

A QUARREL, AND HOW IT ENDED.

By Abbie M. Gannett.

Father was mad clear through! He gave Mr. Ridlet one look and walked off without a word.

That broke up everything between Bub Ridlet and me.

Was Bub going to speak to a boy whose father stole from his father? Was I going to speak to Bub, when his father accused mine of stealing?

We'd been great chums, chestnutted, set snares, skated, fished and gone winters to the district school together. Our houses were within a stone's throw of each other, and no others nearer than a quarter of a mile. Never had an evening come but I was at Bub's or Bub with us.

The change came hard, and it came hard on our mothers.

Mrs. Ridlet would come over to ask if mother could spare a couple of eggs. Mother would run to the barn and come back with half a dozen, saying:

"Don't mind about returning them. I've so many, I like to get rid of them."

Mother would go to Mrs. Ridlet's and say she'd like to borrow a pound or two of butter. Her cream didn't "come good" these cold days. Bub's mother would give her a big pat, with a bunch of grapes stamped on it.

"Don't you fetch it back, Mrs. Pomfrey," she would say. "I've so much that I shall never miss it."

Now, when they met, they would not look at each other.

Six months passed, and we were lonesome as could be. But we would have bitten our tongues off rather than speak to the Ridlets.

I didn't have a speck of fun. I'd go swimming, but what's swimming all to yourself? or tramping, but what's tramping alone? or setting snares, or anything?

I knew father missed Mr. Ridlet on wet days, when they had used to sit in the barn talking over crops and stock, but he never let on.

Mother would look out of the window as if expecting some one; then she'd turn away and sigh. But she never spoke Bub's mother's name--not once.

I saw Bub running toward our house one day, and thought he was coming in. But no. He ran past without looking up.

It didn't seem much use to do anything--that is, if you wanted to get any fun out of it.

I never knew exactly what Mr. Ridlet accused father of stealing, and it seems mother didn't know, either, until one day, six months after the quarrel, when father said:

"I'd like to know if Ridlet's found his wife's silver dollars."

"Was it those he lost?" asked mother, speaking quickly.

"Yes."

"Mrs. Ridlet's been three years saving them. She said she meant to have a dozen as nice silver forks as could be made. She thought it would take about thirty-six dollars."

"She had just thirty-six. She'd sent them to town by Ridlet, but the jeweler wouldn't agree to make the forks for less than forty dollars. Ridlet says he brought them back, but it seems they were gone when he got home."

"And he accused you of taking Mrs. Ridlet's money," said mother. "Now, I'll _never_ speak to her."

"It's odd where the money went," continued father. "You know I borrowed his wagon to go to town, a few minutes after he came home. He said he put the package on the wagon-seat, and got out to unharness the horse. Before he had done so, Elijah Bangs came in at the south door of the barn, all excitement about his sick cow. He wanted Ridlet to see the animal--he had been so unlucky about curing his own sick cattle. While they were talking, I came in to borrow the wagon. Ridlet, who was going off with Bangs, said 'Yes,' hurriedly, forgetting all about the silver dollars, so he says; and he says nobody came into the barn but me and Mr. Bangs, and, as Bangs came in at the south door, he wasn't near the wagon. Ridlet never thought of the silver till he was half-way to Mr. Bangs'; but he did not worry, knowing it was safe with me."

"Did he say, out-and-out, you'd taken it?" asked mother.

"No; but he said it was mighty queer a man could miss seeing a package as big as that. There was no use looking for it, or advertising for it; he knew that it was on that wagon-seat. I fired up and said, 'Do you think I took it?' He didn't answer; and that settled it."

"Well, if ever he does find it, I'll never have anything to do with them," said mother. "Suspect you of keeping her fork-money!"

"It's very odd where it went," repeated father.

"I am glad you've spoken at last. It's been on my mind more than anything. I thought you might have misunderstood him, and was over touchy; but--her money!"

Father made no reply; and from that time mother stopped looking down the road.

Finding out just what Mr. Ridlet accused father of, made the estrangement between Bub and me seem worse. Our going together would never be fixed up now. I had hoped our fathers would, some time, settle things. It was tough. I couldn't put my mind to anything, mother noticed.

"What's the matter, Seth?" she asked. "Aren't you well?" she went on, seeing I didn't answer. "You don't eat much, and you are moping all the time. How would you like your Cousin Mel to visit you a while?"

I rushed off. Mel was a real softy, with shining shoes, slick hair, and all that. About as ready to go on a tramp as a girl. I couldn't bear the thought of him.

I went under the grape vine that grows over the trellis between Mr. Ridlet's garden and ours.

I threw myself down, looking up into the leaves, making a mat overhead, and counting the green bunches, as if that was great fun.

It was a hot day--such a day as one likes to creep along barefooted in the wet grass by the brooks, fishing-pole in hand.

I thought of Bub, and how, if things had been all right, we'd been ready to start off, and, well--

Then I heard some one pulling apart the vines against the fence, and the next minute I sprung up as if I was shot, for Bub's voice, rather shaky, called:

"Seth!"

I turned my back on him.

"Please, Seth!"

I wouldn't speak.

"Say, father will give me a licking, and if you'll only speak to your father--say, Seth! Seth!"

I was half-way to the house.

His voice ought to have made anybody turn back, but I wouldn't stop. He hadn't spoken to me for over six months and his father was to blame, and now he spoke because he was going to get a licking. I didn't think any boy would be such a coward. It didn't seem like Bub.

Once I felt like running over to his house--I had seen him sneak back--then I was mad at myself for wanting to go there.

What wouldn't I have given afterwards if I had gone?

After supper, as father and I were passing the Ridlets', we heard Bub's howls. They came from the barn.

Father had been almost as fond of Bub as of me. When he heard the cries, he stopped short. For a minute we didn't hear any more, only Mr. Ridlet scolding hot and heavy, and Bub trying to put in a word or two.

He was a dreadful quick-tempered man, and, when angry, hardly knew what he did.

Bub's howls began again. Father couldn't stand it. He made for the barn.

"What's this?" said he.

There stood Bub, with his jacket off, and his father, with a big, tough switch in his hand.

"This?" responded Mr. Ridlet, his teeth fairly chattering in his wrath. "This? It's that this boy deserves the confoundedest whipping a boy ever had--and I'm giving it to him!"

He lifted the switch, and Bub yelled before it touched him. I knew he had been hurt pretty bad.

"Oh, now, neighbor," said father, putting out his hand to prevent the switch from coming down, "your boy can't have done anything so terribly bad. I've always thought a lot of your boy. Haven't you punished him about enough?"

"Hasn't done anything bad, hasn't he? Oh, no! He hasn't been the one to know about his mother's fork money, and not say a word, and let the mischief be to play between two families? Take that!"

Down came the switch. Poor Bub's screams made my ears ring. I would not have got that crack for twice the money in question.

"There, neighbor," interposed father, taking hold of the rod. "I insist on your telling me all about Bub and the money, since I was accused of having it. Bub didn't steal it?"

"No, no, no!" protested Bub. "I forgot, that's all. I took it and forgot it. That's all, Mr. Pomfrey. Father knows that's all."

He took on awfully, but it was the pain. I could see he'd done no wrong.

"How did you take it? Come, Bub, tell me all about it," coaxed father.

"It's a pretty story," burst out Mr. Ridlet. "A boy old enough to know something takes a package of silver dollars for nails! Nails! Takes it and tosses it into the old carriage room, where it gets covered up, and never comes to sight till to-day. And our two families set together by the ears in consequence, and not speaking for half a year. Tell me a boy doing such a senseless thing as that doesn't deserve a whipping?"

"But I forgot it, father," pleaded poor Bub.

"Has your wife's money been found?" said father, looking real pleased. "Why, that's the best news I've heard this long while. You and your wife must be glad. I would hear Bub's story through before giving him such a whipping. Found it in the old carriage room? He put it there by mistake?"

"Mistake!" roared Mr. Ridlet. "If it was by mistake, why didn't he remember it? It's a likely story! I asked him over and over again where he was that morning."

"You see I clean forgot it, Mr. Pomfrey," sobbed Bub, not daring to speak to his father, "for I just ran in to see if father had got the nails I wanted, when I heard Seth outside. He'd come to get me to go out in his new boat. We had agreed to go that day. You see I asked father to get the nails for Seth to finish up the boat with; but Seth had found some. The good time I had that day just put everything else out of my mind. Then, not having anything more to do with Seth kinder mixed me up afterwards," explained Bub; "made me forget worse, I suppose."

"How happened it to turn up at last?" asked father.

"Why, Bub was rummaging round this morning, and he lighted on it, he says," replied Mr. Ridlet. "Says he was so scared, he didn't dare to tell me till to-night."

Here Bub looked at me, and I understood how he wanted me to tell father when he had spoken to me under the grape vine. That would make it easier with his father.

I felt mighty mean then, I can tell you.

"Throw down your switch, neighbor," said father. "You've got an honest boy, and that's a fact. When I found you whipping him, I was dreadfully afraid of something bad. Why, neighbor, we're all liable to forget; it's human nature."

Mr. Ridlet looked down.

"Your boy's an honest boy," repeated father. (How thankfully Bub looked at him!) "You yourself, Mr. Ridlet, forgot the silver, when you started for Mr. Bangs'," continued father, with a laugh.

Mr. Ridlet looked foolish. He drew a step nearer father, dropping the switch.

"There's one thing I'm not likely to forget," said he, "and that is, my wronging you as I did. But I wish _you'd_ forget it, neighbor. I offer my apologies."

He held out his hand. Father took it, smilingly.

"Perhaps we'd both better forget the whole thing," rejoined he.

"Bub," said Mr. Ridlet, "run into the house and tell your mother that I've asked Mr. and Mrs. Pomfrey to spend the evening with us. Tell her to set out her best cake and that basket of blackhearts."

Bub and I looked at each other, and then we ran in together.

"Why, Seth! Why, Seth!" exclaimed his mother.

When my mother came over, the two women hugged each other and cried a little.

Father and Mr. Ridlet sat side by side the whole evening long, talking stock.

Mother and Mrs. Ridlet sewed industriously, now and then looking up at each other and laughing.

After Bub and I had filled up on cake and cherries, we made molasses candy and planned for a tramp up Wachuset next morning.

Getting put out with folks is bad, but isn't making up about O.K?

UNLUCKY DAYS FOR ROYALTY.

Thursday, the day upon which the late Prince Albert Edward died, is an unlucky day for English royalty, four sovereigns--Henry VIII, Edward VI, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth--having died on that day, but a far more fatal day is Saturday.

During the past two hundred years, for instance, William III died on Saturday, March 18, 1702; Queen Anne died on Saturday, March 14, 1714; George I died on Saturday, June 10, 1727; George II died on Saturday, October 25, 1760; George III died on Saturday, January 29, 1820; George IV died on Saturday, June 26, 1830; the Duchess of Kent, the present queen's mother, died on Saturday, March 16, 1861; the Prince Consort, Queen Victoria's husband, died on Saturday, December 14, 1861, and the Princess Alice, her daughter, died on Saturday, December, 14, 1878.

DROLL AND DELIGHTFUL.

--Now is the time to kick. The football season is here.

--Any loafer will tell you that half a loaf is better than none.

--"A little of this will go a grate weigh," said the man who was preparing a load of coal.

--Bertha breaks her doll, and it is sent out to be repaired. A few days later, Bertha goes to the store after it, but it cannot be found. "Her name is Marguerite," she explains, to facilitate the search.

--"Well, Tommy," said the visitor, "how do you like your baby brother?" "Oh, lots and lots--only I don't think he's very bright!" "Why not?" "We've had him nearly two weeks now, and he hasn't said a word to anybody."

--The letter S, we must confess. Was never made in vain, For, take it from your "stars and stripes," But tar and tripe remain.

--"Is that really a glass eye?" said Maude to the optician. "Yes, miss." "How strange! it is not transparent. How does the wearer see through it?"

--A little girl, aged nine, called her father to her bedside the other evening. "Papa," said the little diplomat, "I want to ask your advice." "Well, my little dear, what is it about?" "What do you think would be best to give me on my birthday?"

--Little Girl: "I wish I was an angel." Little Boy: "Why?" Little Girl: "Then I wouldn't be 'fraid of ghosts."

--Small boy: "Been fishing, mister?" Man: "Yes." Small boy: "Can't I sell you some fish?"

--Perry has a very musical father and mother, and the little lad knows good music from bad. His parents live in a city flat, and in the flat just above it one afternoon a young lady was trying to sing and not succeeding at all. Perry listened with a frowning brow for some time, and then said to his grandmother: "If this keeps up much longer, grandma, I shall die. And what do you think you'll do?"

--Little Harold, out walking with his mamma, saw some men lifting a square piano from which the legs had been taken, as usual, for convenience in removal, and a happy thought struck him. "Mamma, didn't you tell me the other day that our piano was an upright?" "Yes, dear. Why?" "Well, if ours is an upright, this must be a downright."

--The small boy taunts the teacher new, And she in vain may fret, She knows, whatever he may do, He's "mommer's little pet."

--Mamma lay on the lounge, with her face toward the ceiling, when Jamie, who lay beside her, asked her to "look." Mamma turned her eyes and looked at him, without moving her head. "No, no, mamma!" burst out the little fellow. "I want you to look at me with your nose."

--"Did you ever take a bicycle trip, Smithers?" "Once." "Where did you go?" "Straight over on my neck."

--"Cousin Edith, you can't send money in a letter." "Why, Bessie, what ever made you think that? I've sent it that way lots of times." "Well, I'm sure it's wrong, because I've seen it printed on the fences to 'post no bills.'"

--Contentment makes pudding of cold potatoes.

--"That wall-paper has a very cold look," said a customer to a dealer. "Well, you see, it is intended for a frieze," was the dealer's reply.

--"I have a notion to break your face," said the boy to his watch. "You may even do that," said the watch, bravely, "but you can never make me run."

--A copper trust--Giving a policeman credit for peanuts.

--Lady: "A ticket for me and two halves for my sons." Ticket seller: "Excuse me, madam, but one of your sons is much older than twelve years." Lady: "What of that? The other is as much under twelve years as the older is over twelve, so they only aggregate twelve years." Ticket-seller: "Excuse me; not to-day."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

OUR LETTER BOX.

[->] The postal laws requite all manuscripts to be prepaid at letter rates--two cents for each ounce or fraction thereof--and manuscripts, sent in rolls or open wrappers, are not exempt from this provision. The large number of manuscripts reaching this office every day, on which postage is due, compels us in future to allow such matter to remain in the post office, unclaimed.

DECLINED.--October--A Talk With Santa Claus--Nina--A Hallowe'en Night--Sleep On--Who?--Blue-Eyed Nell--Mama, Sew the Pieces In.

BERT E.--Postage-stamp mucilage is prepared as follows: Gum dextrine, 2 parts; acetic acid, 1 part; water, 5 parts. Dissolve in a water-bath and add 1 part of alcohol.

ALAN HEATHCOTE.--A. A. Zimmerman made a mile on a Safety bicycle in 2 min. 6 4-5 secs. at Springfield, Mass., September 9, 1892. W. Windle, on September 29, 1892, at the same place, made 3 miles in 7 min. 4 3-5 secs; 4 miles in 9 min. 26 3-5 secs., and 5 miles in 11 min. 41 secs.

CAMDEN.--1. His Royal Highness Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, is alive and hearty, at the age of fifty-one. 2. A silver dollar of 1827 has no premium value. 3. See "The Average Boy," No. 50, Vol. 12, GOLDEN DAYS. 4. There are a number of dealers in printers' supplies in Philadelphia, and your best plan would be to go to them for a list of prices.

A. W. OULDBE.--1. See answer to "Doc," No. 41, Vol. 13. 2. The salary of an electrical engineer varies with his knowledge, position and scope of his duties. There are always positions for experts, but, as in every other profession, the beginner must commence at the foot and work his way up. Colleges do not secure situations for their graduates; they must do that for themselves.

A. G. M. AND OTHERS.--GOLDEN DAYS is pleased to receive letters of commendation of the excellent serials which are a feature of the paper, but for obvious reasons we cannot remove the disguises which the authors choose to throw around their characters. It frequently happens that living characters are portrayed, who, though they do not object to having their adventures described, might not like the publication of their real names, residence or other personal particulars.

A. T. REYNOLDS.--The largest bell in the world is the "Czar Kolokol," or King of Bells, cast in Moscow in 1734, during the reign of the Empress Anna. It is 21 feet high and the same in diameter, and weighs 193 tons. During a fire in 1737 it fell to the ground, a large piece being broken out in the fall and remained sunk in the earth until 1837. In that year it was raised and now forms the dome of a small chapel made by excavating the space below it. The worshipers enter through the opening where the bell was broken by the fall. It is very unlikely that any attempt will ever be made to restore it to its former use.

H. O. A.--In light oak graining, the ground coat is yellow ochre and the graining coat raw umber. House painters are not thoroughly agreed on graining for oak and walnut, so that they do not always mix the same shades; in fact, since there is no school of house painting, it is largely a matter of individual taste and skill.

T. P.--The first and second volumes of GOLDEN DAYS, being out of print, are not for sale at this office, and naturally command a premium when sold by other parties. Bound volumes are usually quoted at ten dollars, and higher prices may have been given. They may be had, however, occasionally through the medium of our exchange columns.

A SUBSCRIBER.--1. The U.S. navy now has 116 vessels of all kinds, of which 44 are building or not in commission. 2. The greatest war ship of the English navy, and also the greatest in the world, is the Royal Sovereign, 380 feet in length, 75 feet in breadth, and of a displacement of 14,150 tons. The armament consists of four 13-1/2-inch guns, ten 6-inch quick-firing guns, and twenty-five 6-pounder and 3-pounder machine guns.

DON'T KNOW.--Upon meeting a young married woman, upon her return from her wedding journey, it would be proper to congratulate her and wish her happiness in her new relation; but, if you had not previously known her in a single state, a simple acknowledgment of the introduction is all that would be necessary.

ARCHY TECT.--A knowledge of geometry is essential to a successful architect; in fact, he should be expert in all branches of mathematics, as well as a good draughtsman. See answer to "Arch-I-Tect," in No. 42, Vol. 13, for your other questions, to which it is only necessary to add that architects are paid according to contract only.

J. B. McF.--A tun is a certain measure for liquids, as for wine, and its capacity equals two pipes, or four hogsheads, or 252 gallons. Being a measure, a tun may be made of any shape, so that the capacity is neither increased or diminished. Any school arithmetic treats of this subject under the head of "measures."

AN OLD READER.--We do not think it would serve any good purpose to publish a list of the serial stories which have appeared in GOLDEN DAYS since the first issue. They average more than twenty complete serials to the volume, and the titles are included in the annual index. If you, who have read the paper since the first volume, wish to refresh your memory, indexes will be sent you free, on receipt of your real name and address.

D. EMBE.--Rotting tree-stumps may be easily removed in this way: With a one-and-a-quarter-inch auger, bore a hole in the centre of the stump, eighteen inches deep, and put in twenty ounces of saltpetre; fill the hole with water and plug it tight. In the spring, take out the plug, pour into the hole a half-pint of crude petroleum and set it on fire. The stump will burn and smolder to the end of the roots, leaving nothing but ashes.

H. H. P. L.--From No. 1, of Vol. 13, up to No. 33, of the same volume, the following-named serials were begun. The Young Engineer, The Hermit's Protege, Little Miss Muffet, An Unpremeditated Journey, Johnny Henry's Cruise on the Spanish Main, The Mystery of Valentine Stanlock, Lost In a Ceylon Jungle, Adrift From Home, Crowded Out, In Hostile Hands, In the Homes of the Cliff Dwellers, Una, Lost in the Slave Land, Smack Boys and Judge Dockett's Grandson.

NO NAME.--1. When tinware is worn until the iron shows, it can be retinned by dipping it again; but the process would be too expensive, except as an experiment. It would first have to be washed in a chemical bath, and then dipped the same as tin plates. 2. Poultry raising is undoubtedly a profitable business, if followed intelligently, and is best done on an extensive scale, with the benefit of modern appliances. In Eastern cities, eggs and poultry bring very high prices during nine months of the year, and the demand is always in excess of the supply. You may gain some valuable hints on this subject by reading "Practicable and Profitable Poultry Keeping," Nos. 13 and 14, and "Nell's Chicken Farm," No. 18, Vol. 13, GOLDEN DAYS.

DETECTIVE.--If you have any serious notion of being a detective, the best thing for you to do is disabuse your mind of the idea. A boy who can speak three languages and writes shorthand should secure a situation in the office of a steamship company or a large importing house which has foreign correspondents. Such talents would be thrown away in the detective business, which is not the lucrative profession you imagine. The best detectives are now in the employ of the national government or city authorities, and the supply at all times exceeds the demand. At the beginning you could not expect more than three or four dollars a day, and only during the time you were employed, and the rewards of which you have read so much would go to the agency, and not to the men who do the work.

C. O. P.--1. The famous liberty bell still hangs in the corridor of Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, although it is proposed to take it to Chicago to exhibit during the Columbian Exposition. No proposition has ever been made to melt it and recast the metal into two smaller bells, as such a proceeding would justly be regarded as little short of sacrilege. 2. There are many kinds of pigeons, but only two kinds--the common pigeon and the turtle dove--have been tamed. All the fancy breeds now raised come from the common pigeon, which is descended from the wild rock pigeon or rock dove. The carrier pigeon is a special breed, larger than the common pigeon, with a long, slim neck, with a piece of naked skin across its bill and hanging down on each side. Carrier pigeons have been known from the most ancient times, especially in the East.

F. C.--1. By the census of 1890, the Indian population of the United States, exclusive of Alaska, is set down at 249,273. Of these, 133,382 are at schools or on reservations, under the control of the Indian Bureau; 66,289 are included in the five civilized tribes of Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws, Creeks and Seminoles; the pueblos of New Mexico contain 8278; the Cherokees of North Carolina and the Six Nations of New York number 6189; Indians taxed or taxable, 32,567; and the remainder are prisoners of war or in jail for state offenses. 2. Admission to the Columbian Exposition has been fixed at fifty cents, for young and old. 3. The London-Paris telephone is open to the public on week days from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M., and the charge is two dollars for three minutes' conversation. The distance by wire is nearly 170 miles. 4. The nearest telephone office in your city will give you distances and rates. 5. Your handwriting is plain and legible.

NAPOLEON I.--1. Although Napoleon Bonaparte is still idolized by the French nation and has elsewhere many ardent admirers it is now generally conceded that all his deeds sprung from personal ambition and that he had little of that love of country which characterized Washington. No one can call him a patriot; he was a soldier imbued with the love of conquest, and as such was merciless and even cruel. In his private life he was by no means a model, and his divorcing Josephine for State reasons has been generally condemned. He was perhaps the greatest soldier that ever lived, at any rate dividing the honors with Julius Caesar, but many greater men have lived, if we may define greatness as that which confers the most good upon mankind. 2. If a boy could have the personal tuition of an expert civil engineer he could learn the profession, but the easiest and quickest way is to take a college course and then go to work as an assistant.

AN OLD SUBSCRIBER.--When training for a bicycle race, the rider should first get his stomach in good condition. He should begin the exercise easily, and work up day by day as his strength and agility increases. He must indulge in plenty of wholesome food, but never touch pastry or tobacco in any shape. Having got into good condition, he should decide what distance he proposes to race, and turn his whole attention to it, never striving to become a long and a short-distance rider at one and the same time. Two or three trials of speed, at forty or fifty yards distances, should be made every day, after getting in fair form, slowing up gradually each time. Then he should finish up the day with a run of from one hundred and fifty to two hundred yards at three-quarter speed, and so on, day after day, until the stipulated distance is covered at full speed. The same method should be pursued in training for a foot race, boat race or swimming contest. On the day of the race, if the contest occurs in the afternoon, the only exercise should be a gentle ride for a mile or two.

DARKEY.--1. Architects' assistants are paid salaries in accordance with their experience and skill, which varies greatly. 2. Government postage-stamp mucilage is not for sale, but can be easily made as follows: Gum dextrine, 2 parts; acetic acid, 1 part; water, 5 parts. Dissolve in a water bath and add 1 part alcohol. 3. William H. McKinley is an American. 4. We do not advertise periodicals of any kind in this department. 5. Detective agencies are private affairs, except those connected with the police department of various cities. The salaries are not by any means munificent, and are earned by a vast amount of privation, exposure and hard work. 6. There are now built or in commission 24 armored vessels, 11 unarmored vessels, 4 gunboats and 4 special class vessels of the new navy, and 59 iron and wooden vessels of the old navy, of which 30 are in commission. 7. Major Andre, on August 1, 1780, wrote "The Battle of Cow Chace." It was in three cantos, and was a parody on the English ballad of "Chevy Chace." 8. On the 1st of June, 1785, John Adams was introduced by the Marquis of Carmathen to the King of Great Britain as first ambassador extraordinary from the United States of America to the Court of London. 9. A considerable portion of the United States yet remains to be surveyed, but no portion remains unexplored. There are doubtless large tracts of forest and mountain land which are in primeval wildness, but the general topography is known. In Alaska, however, there are thousands of square miles which have never been visited by a white man, mainly in the interior; in fact, with the exception of a strip of sea-coast and the lands bordering on the Yukon River, all Alaska is _terra incognito_.

LOUIS GRANAT.--Read "Some Points About West Point," No. 12, Vol. 7 GOLDEN DAYS.--C. B. GOLDEN DAYS has never published directions how to make a star puzzle out of wood.--CURIOSITY SHOP. See "Leaf Skeletonizing" in No. 39 Vol. 13.--S. W. Sir Moses Montefiore died July 28, 1885.--F. P. B. Electro-plating was described in No. 23, Vol. 11, and in answer to "Gualy Dids," No. 38, Vol. 13, a method is explained of electro-plating without a battery.--A READER. The ever-recurring question as to which goes faster, the top or the bottom of a wheel, was answered in Our Letter Box, No. 31, Vol. 13, in reply to "Three Boys."

[->] Several communications have been received which will be answered next week.

* * * * *

Mr. L. B. Hamlen.

Of Augusta, Me., says "I do not remember when I began to take Hood's Sarsaparilla; it was several years ago and I find it does me a great deal of good in my declining years.

*I Am 91 Years*

2 months and 26 days old, and my health is perfectly good. I have no aches or pains.

*Hood's Sarsaparilla*

regulates my bowels, stimulates my appetite, and *helps me to sleep well*. I doubt if a preparation was ever made so well suited to the wants of *old people*." L. B. HAMLEN, Elm St., Augusta, Me.

N.B.--Be sure to get Hood's.

*HOOD'S PILLS* cure sick headache, biliousness, assist digestion, the best after-dinner pills.

* * * * *

*BAD COMPLEXIONS*

Pimples, blackheads, red, rough, and oily skin, red, rough hands with shapeless nails and painful finger ends, dry, thin, and falling hair, and simple baby blemishes are prevented and cured by the celebrated

*CUTICURA SOAP*

Most effective skin-purifying and beautifying soap in the world, as well as purest and sweetest of toilet and nursery soaps. The only medicated *Toilet* soap, and the only preventive and cure of facial and baby blemishes, because the only preventive of inflammation and clogging of the pores, the _cause_ of minor affections of the skin, scalp, and hair. Sale greater than the combined sales of all other skin and complexion soaps. Sold throughout the world.

POTTER DRUG AND CHEM. CORP., Boston.

[->] "All about the Skin, Scalp, and Hair" free.

*HOW MY BACK ACHES!*

Back Ache, Kidney Pains, and Weakness, Soreness, Lameness, Strains, and Pains *relieved in one minute* by the *Cuticura Anti-Pain Plaster*, the only pain killing strengthening plaster.

* * * * *

Notices of Exchange.

[->] The publisher will positively take no responsibility concerning exchanges effected by means of this department, neither will the reliability of exchangers be guaranteed. To avoid any misunderstanding in the matter, it would be advisable for those contemplating exchanging, to write for particulars to the addresses, before sending the articles desired.

[->] Exchange notices, containing offers of or for _shot guns, air guns, pistols, poisons, rifles, dangerous chemicals, animals, odd numbers of papers, valueless coins and curiosities, birds' eggs_, or "offers" will _not_ be inserted.

*Exchange Notices, conforming with the above rules, are inserted free of charge.*

R. Pier, West Hill, Dubuque, Iowa, hair-clippers, tent, U.S. and foreign stamps and $30 worth of other articles for boxing gloves or Indian clubs.

H. A. Cutting, Wakefield, Mass., books, papers or a piccolo for a Simplex or World or other good small typewriter.

F. L. Bebont, Addison, N.Y., Vol. 2 GOLDEN DAYS for a Safety bicycle head-lamp or an Ordinary bicycle hub lamp.

W. G. Crease, 2043 Ridge Ave, Pa., Vols. 7, 8 and 9 GOLDEN DAYS and a pair of mahogany drum-sticks for a piccolo.

H. C. Head, 185 Oakwood Boulevard, Chicago, Ill., a 4-1/4 x 6-1/2 portrait and view camera and outfit for a self-inking printing press, a mandolin or a cornet (vicinity offers preferred).

W. T. Fuller, care of DAVIS BROS. CO., Henderson, N.C., $15 worth of complete volumes of story papers for a watch with gold-filled case.

E. P. Huff, Box 38, Aida, Ohio, about $65 worth of goods, including telegraph instruments, electrical goods books, etc., for a Safety bicycle, 30 inch, ball bearing.

C. Boyce, Troy, Pa., a hand-inking printing press (chase, 3x5), 6 fonts of type and outfit for a B flat or E flat cornet or viola.

B. Cornell, 427 Main St., Owego, N.Y., Vol. 65 of "Youth's Companion" for a Harvard or a Glen camera and outfit in good order.

J. Havens, Box 212, Tom's River, N.J., a New Rogers scroll saw with saw blades, or a bracket saw with saw-blades and a base-ball bat, for a New England Hawk camera and outfit or other 4x5 camera and outfit.

J. A. Bollinger, 1001 Dickinson St., Phila., Pa., a self-winding electric clock (value, $45), a C. & C. motor, 1/8 H.P. and 4 cells Mason battery (value, $28), a telegraph key and sounder, 3 cells blue stone battery, lightning arrester and ground-switch, 3 box bells and 6-cells open circuit battery for a High Grade Safety bicycle or an improved Remington typewriter and stand.

A. J. Smith, Jr., 99 Mercer St., Jersey City, N.J., 4 batteries, a push button, a book on electricity and a pair of American club skates for Vols. 11 and 12 of GOLDEN DAYS.

C. B. Gilliland, 114 Fifth St., Renovo, Pa., novels valued at $1, a pair of ice skates, 100 stamps and 25 cards for any vol. of GOLDEN DAYS, in good condition, prior to the 9th.

C. S. Bontecou, 80 Broadway, New York, a cushion tire Credenta bicycle, 1892 model, with double chime bell (Harrison) and Orient lamp, in perfect condition, for a one-horse-power boat engine or a 5x7 photo camera of equal value.

R. W. McMichael, Rockland, Maine, set of chessmen, Vol. 12 GOLDEN DAYS and a bound book, all valued at $4.50, for a set of boxing gloves.

C. Whitney, 825 Jefferson Ave., Detroit, Mich., a pair of Indian clubs for a Rugby football, or self-inking Baltimorean press, chase 2-1/2 x 3-1/2, with type, quads, cuts, joints, ink and 300 cards, for 22 inch Rugby football.

C. Renfert, 456 E. Madison Ave., Cleveland, Ohio, a 6-1/2 x 8-1/2 camera with rising front, a fine lens, 3 double plate holders, tripod and carrying case, for a Kodack, Hawk Eye or Premier camera.

J. C. Baxter, 2207 Memphis St., Philada., Pa., a 4x5 photograph camera, tripod, carrying case and complete outfit, and a set of boxing gloves for a B flat cornet (city offers preferred).

E. W. Putnam, 118 N. Terrace Ave., Chattanooga, Tenn., a dark lantern for books.

W. G. Holboron, 634 8th Ave., N.Y. city, Vols. 6 and 7 GOLDEN DAYS and 40 Nos. of Vol. 8 for a banjo.

J. Neubauer, 407 E. 87th St., N.Y. city, a lot of boys weekly papers and other reading matter, for some musical instrument in good condition (zither preferred).

F. F. Cooke, 218 Menlo Ave., Sioux Falls, S.D., a magic lantern with 12 slides, a fountain pen, $3 worth of job type and a flute, for a 20-ohm telegraph key and sounder, any vol. of GOLDEN DAYS prior to the 9th, a telescope or a collection of stamps.

E. A. Fellingham, West Side, Crawford Co., Iowa, 12 numbers Frank Leslie's "Pleasant Hours," a book called "Plain Facts," a Domestic Encyclopedia and 2 story books for a telescope or field glass.

H. L. Maitland, Bordentown, N.J., a No. 3 catcher's mask (A. J. Reach) for a Rugby football.

C. E. Proctor, 223 Ford St., Ogdensburg. N.Y., a bound book by Jas. Otis for "Looking Backward," by Edward Bellamy.

G. J. Frick, 2093 Fairhill St., Phila., Pa., a cornet, clarionet, pair of opera glasses, 10 vols. of Journal Franklin Institute, 3 vols. of GOLDEN DAYS, 1 vol. "Leisure Hours," and sporting goods to the value of $15, for a Safety Bicycle, tuck-up boat, camera or typewriter.

M. Hulings, Mt. Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa, 6 mos. of Vol. 13 GOLDEN DAYS, a pair of ice skates and a fountain pen for a 14 inch (or larger) snare drum, with sticks.

"GOLDEN DAYS."

The title of GOLDEN DAYS was an inspiration, and the paper itself has been a revelation. Our golden days are childhood and youth, when all nature is bright and the future shows no cloud. It is the period when the mind is formed for good or evil, and, in many respects, is the most important period of life.

There was a time when anything was good enough for young people--cast-off clothing, second place at table and the poorest sleeping-room, with snubbing at every hand. As for literature, it made no difference how dull or prosy were the books, young people had to read them or none at all.

But the world moves, and GOLDEN DAYS was the pioneer in recognizing that young people have tastes that must be consulted, if it is sought to interest and amuse them. They will absorb knowledge, as a sponge does water; but they will discriminate, as a sponge does not. A scientific article can be as interesting as a novel, and yet be as full of instruction as an egg is of meat; stories may point a moral unerringly and yet thrill with romantic adventure, like Robinson Crusoe; natural history teems with wonders far surpassing the Arabian Nights, and they are all true!

These are the principles upon which GOLDEN DAYS is founded, and from which it has never deviated; and that is why it is to-day the most popular juvenile paper in the world. Do you wonder why? There is no mystery about its popularity.

Its broad and generous pages, coming every week all the year round, contain more reading than any other periodical in America. That is one reason; but the other and better reason is, that all the reading is just what the boys and girls want.

To keep GOLDEN DAYS up to this standard, to make it bright, breezy and abreast with the times, requires writers who understand boy-and-girl nature; and it has them.

Every regular number of GOLDEN DAYS contains liberal instalments of

*Four Serials, together with Stories of Adventure, Articles on Science and Natural History, Our Letter Box, Puzzles, Humorous Miscellany, Illustrated Sketches,*

and other interesting matter, and there is not a dull or common-place line from the first page to the last.

* * * * *

Children Cry for Pitcher's Castoria.

CONSUMPTION Relieved By SCOTT'S EMULSION

* * * * *

J. McKeough, 1621 Ave. B, New York city, "Tom Brown's School Days At Rugby" and "Perils By Land and Sea" for any vol. of GOLDEN DAYS up to the 11th. (City offers only.)

W. Troutman, 121 18th St., S.S., Pittsburgh Pa., a set of draughting tools for a guitar.

J. A. Brearley, 306 10th St., S.E., Washington D.C., Vol. 11 GOLDEN DAYS (bound) for any other vol. (bound) prior to the 11th, except vol. 6 or 7.

L. P. Addison, Box 699, Saginaw, Mich., 5 fonts of type, 1 set of numbers and a foot-power scroll-saw, with patterns, saw blades, and a set of 6 finishing files, for a World typewriter or one of equal value.

F. Bennett, 202 West 134th St., New York city, a small typewriter, a magic lantern with slides and 2 games for a rugby football (city offers preferred).

L. C. Hamlin, Grand Junction, Mich., a U.S. flag 5 feet by 3 feet and a pair of extension, nickel-plated ice-skates for a watch.

A. McLean, Jr., 88 Highland Ave., Jersey City, N.J., a book of games and sports, 200 varieties rare stamps, 2 fonts short type and a fishing reel with line for a vol. of the GOLDEN DAYS prior to Vol. 10.

H. S. Dunning, 314 Brodhead Ave., South Bethlehem, Pa., a 50-inch Columbia Volunteer bicycle, with all the tools, almost as good as new, for books, telescope, typewriter or camera.

F. A. Newcomb, Jr., 97 Cross St., Somerville, Mass., a printing press and outfit for a guitar or mandolin (guitar preferred).

W. P. Shaw, cor. 7th Ave. and Garfield Place, Brooklyn, N.Y., 10 books, an electric bell, a picture, 50 feet of copper wire, a solid rubber ball, a camera worth $15, a thermometer, 2 vols. GOLDEN DAYS and 2 vols. "Youths' Companion" for a tintype camera and outfit, making 4 pictures on an 8x4 plate.

A. Garrigues, 155 Lex'n Ave., N.Y. city, a foot-power scroll saw, a guitar, a set of boxing gloves and a stamp album containing 900 varieties of postage stamps for a bicycle. (Safety preferred).

W. Rieder 500-1/2 East 80th St., N.Y. city, a magic pocket-lamp outfit, a Star Safety razor, a small pocket printing outfit with 3 fonts of rubber type, a gold scarf pin and some sporting goods for a small motor and battery, or telegraph key and sounder, or small steam engine or propeller.

C. A. Hayn, box 268 Manitowac, Wis., Vol. 12 or 13 GOLDEN DAYS for any previous vol. of same paper.

W. F. Slusser, Rochester, Ind., a scroll saw and outfit, a collection of stamps worth $200, a pair of Indian clubs, a sketching camera, a collection of 500 covered stamp papers, an anchor puzzle, 1000 old postal cards, 40,000 mixed U.S. stamps, 1 vol. "Youth's Companion," a solid gold pencil, a steel engraver's outfit, a silk watch chain, a pair of solid gold cuff buttons, a rubber printing outfit and dating stamp, 2 pocket banks and 5 games for U.S. stamps (rare), a 1 horsepower engine (marine), a printing press and outfit or a photographer's outfit.

C. Wass, Kansas, Edgar Co., Ill., GOLDEN DAYS from No. 33, Vol. 10, to No. 46, Vol. 13, a scroll saw and an electric motor of sewing-machine power for No. 18 or 20 magnet wire.

C. J. Deibert, 2009 N. 8th St., Phila., Pa., a foot power scroll saw for a set of boxing gloves.

A. Gross, 24 Stanton St., N.Y. city, a small hand printing press, complete, a few types missing, for any volume of GOLDEN DAYS.

J. W. Neveil, 2317 Sepviva St., Phila., Pa., a rare collection of U.S. and foreign stamps, a collection of minerals and an actor's make-up book for a nickel plated rim banjo.

M. Ross, 41 Maiden Lane, N.Y. city, a collection of 106 different U.S. and foreign stamps in Challenge Album, "Winter Evening Tales" (bound), "Stories About Animals" (bound), and Vere Foster's "Animal Drawing Book" for a zither of 15 strings.

R. C. Morris, Box 473, Greenville, Bond Co., Ill., 4 vols. GOLDEN DAYS for a banjo, guitar or B flat clarionet.

J. W. M. Schmitt, 1112 E. Monroe St., Springfield, Ill., a 4x5 view camera and complete outfit and some books for a good self inking printing press and outfit.

L. C. Hamlin, Grand Junction, Mich., a pair of extension ice skates and 2 vols. of "Youth's Companion" for a watch or a small steam engine and boiler.

L. D. Brace, Nunda, N.Y., a silver Elgin watch, 1 vol. "Youth," 23 books by Optic and Alger and 12 magazines for a self-inking printing press.

H. M. Emerick, 633 Putnam St., Brooklyn, N.Y., a $40 26-inch Safety bicycle for any 4x5 hand camera and outfit worth $15 or more.

W. Kolle, 438 First St., Brooklyn, N.Y., a 4x5 camera and outfit, a set of boxing gloves, a printing press and stage costumes for a camera worth at least $30.

G. B. Bissell, 306 W. 137th St., N.Y. city, a magic lantern and slides, 2 games and 5 books for a Rugby football (city offers preferred).

R. A. Epperson, 344 Hudson Av., Chicago, Ill., a catcher's mask, a league ball and 2 cloth-bound books for a Rugby football.

C. E. Rice, Sardinia, N.Y., vols. of "N.Y. Weekly," "N.Y. Ledger" and "Family Story Paper" for vols. of GOLDEN DAYS or "Saturday Night."

* * * * *

_All_ who use Dobbins' Electric Soap praise it as the _best_, cheapest and _most economical_ family soap made; but if you will try it once it will tell a still stronger tale of its merits _itself_. _Please_ try it. Your grocer will supply you.

* * * * *

*From the West Philadelphia Press.*

GOLDEN DAYS is far ahead of any weekly paper published in the United States having for its object the culture and amusement of the youthful mind. Now, in its Twelfth Volume, it exhibits every sign of strength, permanency and progression. Mr. Elverson, the proprietor and editor, is one of those men who believe it a duty to do what they can for their race, and wisely he is doing for the "rising generation" a work which, for him, is "a work of love." Aiming to benefit our youth, through history, science, philosophy, geography, mechanics, etc., in a manner easily comprehended, he has made his journal the efficient instrument of his noble purpose. Could he see the anxiety on the faces of his young friends awaiting the arrival of GOLDEN DAYS by the mail or the news agent, he would feel that his efforts to please them were not in vain, and that the running of his great presses, day and night, at Ninth and Spruce Streets, was indeed to them a gratification and blessing.

*From the Christian Advocate. Richmond, Va*

Any boy's or girl's days must be golden who reads that charming paper, published in Philadelphia, styled GOLDEN DAYS. The day it comes, and every day after, while its contents are not exhausted, will be golden with the charming adventures, incidents of travel and thrilling stories of childhood and youth. The children of every family should have it. Parents cannot make a better investment than to subscribe for GOLDEN DAYS for their young folks. It is sent to any address for $3 per year. James Elverson, Publisher, Philadelphia, Pa.

*From the Albany Evening Post.*

GOLDEN DAYS is one of the very best publications for boys and girls in this country. Every number contains a valuable amount of information on athletic sports, fishing, hunting, and short stories on all kinds of interesting subjects. The best writers are engaged, and they give their best work to GOLDEN DAYS. James Elverson has produced a weekly paper for young people that finds a warm welcome in every city, town and village from Maine to California. GOLDEN DAYS can be found at all our bookstores and news rooms throughout the United States.

*From Uncle Sam, El Dorado Springs, Mo.*

Our opinion of GOLDEN DAYS is very plain and straight, as follows: It is one of the purest publications to be found in the hands of the reading young people of the present day. It is full of short sketches that are interesting and instructive to the young and the old as well. The serial stories are all perfectly pure and are very interesting, besides setting good examples and morals for all who read them. I have read GOLDEN DAYS more or less for seven or eight years, and I unhesitatingly pronounce it pure and instructive enough to be in the home circle of every family in the reading world.

*From the Southern World.*

Mr. James Elverson, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, deserves the thanks of parents who desire to see the minds of their children fed on healthy reading matter. His GOLDEN DAYS, for boys and girls, is one of the handsomest and best weekly publications of the kind in the country, and should supplant the vile, sensational trash with which the country is flooded. The hope of our republic is in her youth, and if their moral characters are not elevated and made noble by a pure and lofty type of literature for boys and girls, we may expect serious trouble in the future of our race.

*From the Advocate of Peace, Boston.*

GOLDEN DAYS.--"To merit is to insure success," is certainly verified in the publication of GOLDEN DAYS, by James Elverson, Philadelphia. This admirable weekly for the youth of this great land is now well established, and has an increasingly large and well-deserved patronage. Its readers are not treated with trashy matter, but with pictures and puzzles and stories of thrilling adventure and useful knowledge. GOLDEN DAYS is supplanting a poisonous literature, and performing a wholesome mission in this day, when too much good seed cannot be sown by the friends of humanity.

*From the News, Bloomfield, Ind.*

GOLDEN DAYS.--"To merit is to insure success" is certainly verified in the publication of GOLDEN DAYS, by James Elverson, Philadelphia. This admirable weekly for the youth of this great land is now well established and has a large and well-deserved patronage. It is supplanting a poisonous literature, and performing a wholesome mission in this day when too much good seed cannot be sown by the friends of humanity. Parents wishing to put valuable reading matter into the hands of their children should subscribe. It is only $3 per annum, and can be had weekly or monthly as may be desired.

*From the Journal, Philipsburg, Pa.*

James Elverson, corner Ninth and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, publishes a handsome illustrated and interesting youth's paper called GOLDEN DAYS, only $3 per year. It should find a welcome in every home for the young folks, for the reading is wholesome, and such literature should be encouraged by prompt subscriptions. If the youngsters catch a glimpse of it they will find they need it as a recreation after study hours. Send for sample copy.

*From the Gazette, Charlotte Court-House Virginia.*

GOLDEN DAYS.--Of all the publications for little boys and girls, GOLDEN DAYS stands most conspicuous to the front, while its columns abound with stories and tales well calculated to entertain, amuse and please the youthful reader. There is a moral in its articles well calculated to make the young reader better for having read its columns. The subscription price is $3 per year, two copies for $5. Send for specimen copy, and you will be sure to take it.

*From the Philadelphia Times.*

Of all illustrated juvenile periodicals published in this country, none is more deservedly popular than GOLDEN DAYS, published by James Elverson, this city. It strikes that happy medium which appeals to the masses of school children whose tastes have not been spoiled by overstrained appeals to their fancy, and while it is bright and varied, it aims to be instructive in a pleasant, homelike way. The monthly part, made up of the four weekly parts, is quite a treasury of short stories, pictures and puzzles.

*From the Buckeye Vidette, Salem, Ohio.*

GOLDEN DAYS.--This deservedly popular paper begins the autumn ripe with golden fruit. Its stories and miscellany are rare gems of interest, being instructive and pure, and it completely accomplishes the delicate task of satisfying a boy's taste for adventure without being sensational. The pictures are handsomely executed. Its articles on scientific subjects are of the best, its short stories good, and, in fact, it is a masterly combination of useful and fascinating literature.

*From the Standard, Belvidere, Ill.*

James Elverson, Philadelphia, publishes a handsomely illustrated and interesting youth's paper called GOLDEN DAYS. It should find a welcome in every home for the young folks, for the reading is wholesome, and such literature should be encouraged by prompt subscriptions. If the youngsters catch a glimpse of it they will find they need it as a recreation after study hours.

*From the Pipe of Peace, Genoa, Neb.*

GOLDEN DAYS fills a want that no other magazine attempts to supply. Pure, clean, instructive and amusing, it furnishes reading matter, both for young and old, which is not surpassed by any other publication.

Published in attractive form, beautifully illustrated and in clear type, the mechanical work is in keeping with the reading matter it contains. Address for sample copies, James Elverson, Philadelphia, Pa.

*From the Methodist, New York.*

James Elverson, Philadelphia, publishes a handsome, illustrated and interesting youth's paper, called GOLDEN DAYS. It should find a welcome in every Christian home for the young folks, for the reading is wholesome, and such literature should be encouraged by prompt subscriptions. If the youngsters catch a glimpse of it, they will find they need it as a recreation after study-hours.

*From the Record, Union, Mo.*

GOLDEN DAYS, published by James Elverson, Philadelphia, is a weekly journal of literature and fiction for the rising generation. The paper is not of dime novel order, but its serials and short stories are instructive, moral and entertaining. The youths of this land must have reading, and Mr. Elverson, in printing such an exalted and high-toned paper, is winning the support and thanks of the people.

*From the Republican Journal, Belfast, Me.*

GOLDEN DAYS, the leading juvenile weekly (and monthly) continues to grow in interest and circulation, and is a welcome visitor to homes over all this broad land. The publisher's claim that it is "pure, instructive and entertaining" will be conceded by all who read it. James Elverson, publisher, Philadelphia.

OUR PREMIUM KNIFE!

Ivory handle, beautifully finished, EXACTLY AS ILLUSTRATED. Made to our own order, and can ONLY be had by subscribing to "GOLDEN DAYS."

[->] We will make this Knife *a Present* to any one who sends us THREE DOLLARS

*For One Year's Subscription to "Golden Days."*

[->] The money must be sent *direct* to this office. Address

*JAMES ELVERSON*, Publisher "GOLDEN DAYS," Phila., Pa.

*Special Notice.--WHEN TEN CENTS FOR REGISTERING IS SENT, we consider ourselves responsible for the safe delivery, though we have sent several thousand Knives without one in a thousand being lost.*

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