CHAPTER XI.

A PAIR OF CRUTCHES.

Aunt Rachel's plan was entered into most heartily by both boys, and Graham became so much interested as to act as express agent on his own account, going to the city with what he called his first load of berries and flowers; but on his return was so silent and uncommunicative that Phil asked him if anything had gone wrong.

"Don't ask me to tell you what I saw," said he, in reply. "It was more than I could stand." Then, as if sorry for his short answer, he added: "It was the most pitiful thing in the world--such a lot of little pale faces all together! and when I came to give them their share, as the lady in charge told me to do, I cried right out like any baby--there, now! But you have no idea how they brightened up, and how glad they looked when they took the posies. I don't want to go again, though, unless Miss Rachel asks me to. I shall see those poor wizened little things as long as I live. I am going to sell all my pets this fall, and give the money to St. Luke's Hospital, and I shall sell every egg my chickens lay, for the same purpose."

After that Phil asked no more questions, but worked harder than ever at his drawings, and as the season advanced, and flowers and fruit grew more abundant, they were able to dispatch a basket twice a week.

Every day was filled with new life and pleasure. Increasing strength alone would have been a source of happiness, but in addition to this Phil had the benefit of Aunt Rachel's loving-kindness, Lisa's nursing, Joe's good offices, and Graham's pleasant, friendly attentions. Then he was learning constantly something new, with eyes and ears, from the book of nature, with all its wonderful pictures, and from the other books allowed him.

Driving behind old Slow Coach and floating on the lake in the _Flyaway_ were some of the delights, and when more visitors came, and two charming young cousins of Aunt Rachel made the house resound with melody, Phil thought his happiness complete. But a new surprise was in store for him, when, after repeated consultations, and measurements, and whisperings, a huge parcel was brought to his room, and Aunt Rachel and Lisa took off the wrappings. Neither of them looked particularly joyful as a pair of stout crutches made their appearance, but their faces changed wonderfully when Phil gave a cry of glee, and said, hilariously, "Now I can walk! now I can walk!"

He was eager to use his new helps, but it took a longer time than he had imagined to get accustomed to them, and it was many weeks before he could go down the garden paths (followed by Nep with much gravity, as if Phil were in his especial care) with desirable ease.

Coming in from one of these rather tiresome attempts one warm morning, and hearing music and voices in the parlor, Phil strayed into the dining-room, which was darkened and cool, and fragrant with fresh flowers. He lay down on a lounge, with his crutches beside him, and was listening to the pretty waltz being played in the other room, when he thought he saw a tiny creature light upon one of his crutches. Supposing it, however, to be a butterfly, he watched it in a sleepy, dreamy fashion, until it approached more nearly, and these words startled him:

"You do not know me," said a tiny voice, rather reproachfully.

"What! is it you, my dear little wind fairy?" he asked. "I never dreamed that I should see you again. How did you get here?"

"Blown here, to be sure, as I always am, only I have to pilot myself, or what would be the use in having wings? I came on some thistle-down this time, for I wanted to have another peep at you, and I have had hard work to follow you in here, I assure you; but the vibrations of that lovely music helped me, and here I am. Do not talk--let me do it all. I never have much time, you know, and I want to thank you for your goodness in taking my advice, and helping some of my little sick friends. You do not begin to know what good you have done--nobody does; but doing good is very like the big snow-balls that children make in winter--a little ball at first, but as they roll, it grows bigger and bigger, almost of itself, until it is more than one can manage. So it has been with your kind action: many have imitated it, and flowers come now to the hospitals by the bushel. Not only children, but grown people, sad with suffering, have been cheered and benefited. And you too are growing strong: how glad I am to see it! Your cheeks are tinged with just a delicate bloom, and you have grown taller. Ah, the country is the place for you children! I saw one of your sketches in the hospital the other day, hung under a little cross made of moss; it was a water-lily, and out of it was stepping some one who looked like me. The child who owned it said it came to her tied to some roses. She did not know I heard her; she was telling a visitor, and she said it made her happy every time she looked at it. That was a pretty thought of yours. This is my last visit for a long while. I am to be sent off to fan her Royal Highness, the Queen of Kind Wishes, when her coronation takes place. She lives in her palace of Heart's Ease in a faraway island. I am to sail part of the way in a nautilus--one of those lovely shells you have seen, I dare say."

"No," said Phil, "I never saw one. And so you are going away--"

"Never saw a nautilus!" interrupted the fairy, as if afraid Phil was going to be doleful over her departure. "It looks like a ship, for all the world, and it _is_ a ship for me, but it would not hold you--oh no! not such a gigantic creature as a boy;" and the fairy laughed aloud.

"Dear me!" said Phil; "no more visits, no more fairy stories. What will I do?"

"Shall I tell you just one more story before I say good-by?"

"Please do."

"Well, shut your eyes and listen."

Phil obeyed, and the fairy began:

In the days when fairies had much more power than they now have, there lived in a little house on the edge of a wood haunted by elves and brownies a boy named Arthur. He was a bright, handsome lad, but a little lazy, and much more fond of pleasure than of work; and he had a way of flinging himself down in the woods to lounge and sleep when his mother at home was waiting for him to come back with a message, or to do some little promised task. Now the fairies knew this, and it displeased them; for they are as busy as bees, and do not like idleness. Besides, as one bad habit leads to another, Arthur, in his lounging ways, would often do great damage to the fairies' flower beds, switching off the heads of wild flowers in the most ruthless fashion, and even pulling them up by the roots when he felt like it.

One day he had been indulging this whim without any motive, hardly even thinking what he was doing, when he began to feel very strangely: a slight chill made him shiver; his eyes felt as if they were coming out of his head, his legs as if they were getting smaller and smaller; he had an irresistible desire to hop, and he was very thirsty. There was a rivulet near, and instead of walking to it, he leaped, and stooping to drink, he saw himself reflected in its smooth surface. No longer did he see Arthur; no longer was he a mortal boy. Instead of this, a frog--a green speckled frog, with great bulging eyes and a fishy mouth--looked up at him. He tried to call, to shout, but in vain; he could only croak, and this in the most dismal manner. What was he to do? Sit and stare about him, try to catch flies, plunge down into the mud--charming amusements for the rest of his life! A little brown bird hopped down for a drink from the rivulet; she stooped and rose, stooped and rose, again and again.

A great green tear rolled down from the frog's bulging eye, and splashed beside the bird's drinking-place. She looked up in alarm, and said, in the sweetest voice imaginable,

"Can I do anything to assist you?"

"I am sure I don't know," croaked Arthur, hoarse as if he had been born with a sore throat.

"But what _is_ the matter?" persisted the little brown bird, as more green tears splashed beside her.

"The matter is that I am a frog, I suppose," said Arthur, rather rudely.

"Well, what of that?" still said the little bird. "Frogs are very respectable."

"Are they, indeed; then I'd rather not be respectable," said Arthur.

"You shock me," said the bird.

"I don't wonder; it has been a great shock to me," responded Arthur.

"What has?" said the bird.

"Being a frog," replied Arthur.

"Have you not always? Oh no; I presume you were once a tadpole; all frogs are at first."

"Indeed I never was a tadpole," said Arthur, indignantly; and then, it seeming somewhat a funny idea to him, he began to laugh in the hoarsest, croakiest _kerthumps_, which brought him to his senses again. Then he added, to the little brown bird, which fluttered about him in some agitation, "No, I never was a tadpole--I was a boy named Arthur a few moments ago."

"Aha!" twittered the little brown bird, "I see now: you have been bewitched."

"I suppose so," said Arthur; "and I would gladly be beswitched into a boy again, if that would do any good."

"I must try and see what I can do for you. I am very busy repairing my nest--it was injured in the last storm; but I will go as soon as I can to see one of the herb elves, and find out what is to be done. You must have displeased them very much."

"You are very kind," replied Arthur, taking no notice of the latter words.

"Oh no, not at all; it is a pleasure," said the little brown bird.

"Can I do anything for you?" asked Arthur, roused into politeness by the pleasant manners of his little friend.

"You might gather some twigs or moss. Oh no, it would be all wet, and I should have great bother in drying it," said the little housekeeper. "I am equally obliged, but you had better just stay quiet and keep cool till I return;" and she flew softly away.

"I can keep cool enough," repeated Arthur; "when one's legs are in the water, it would be pretty hard to do anything else."

It seemed dreadfully long to wait, when all he could do was to wink, and yawn, and gobble flies, and yet lounging in the woods and killing flowers had never seemed tedious when he was a boy. He tried to go to sleep, but was in too great a bewilderment to quietly close his eyes in slumber, so he gazed at the brook, and wondered when the little brown bird would re-appear.

[TO BE CONTINUED.]

PINAFORE RHYMES.--(_Continued._)

Yee-Lee, the Chinaman, Goes walking down the street, With paper sun-shade, and a dress That reaches to his feet. Oh what a funny sight is he, That yellow Chinaman, Yee-Lee!

His eyes are slanting little slits, So that he can't see straight; His head is polished till it shines Just like a china plate; And pussy thinks he's very kind To let his pigtail drag behind.

* * * * *

The wind asked the children To dance on the green; But the fiddler and fifer Were not to be seen.

So the wind whistled for them A gay, merry tune, But so fast that the children Grew tired very soon.

"Oh, we must stop dancing!" Cried each little child; "The tune that you whistle Is so very wild!"

That made the wind angry; It rose very high; And their hats and their sun-shades Were blown to the sky.

* * * * *

A merry group, With spades in hand, Building wee houses Of yellow sand.

They dig and delve The livelong day; But even children tired with play.

On pillows soft Their heads they lay, While the wee houses Are washed away.

* * * * *

What is the matter with Princess Maude, All alone in her tower? She sits forlorn in her little chair, And cries to herself by the hour.

We'll carry some flowers to Princess Maude, And a basket of apples and pears; We'll call her to open the window wide, For we can't go up the stairs.

Throw open your window, Princess Maude, It is only Charlie and me; The cat and the dog are fast asleep, And there's nobody here to see.

* * * * *

Dear Mary Angelina Jane, You will be sorry to be told My doll was left out in the rain, So that she caught a dreadful cold. She's better now, the doctors say, Though I'm afraid of a relapse. And now no more from me to-day-- I'll write some other day, perhaps.

I am a little colored girl just seven years old. This is my first letter. I live near our white folks, who have taught us to read and write, and who let us read their copy of YOUNG PEOPLE. We read the letters in the Post-office Box, and I thought I would ask the little people to send me some of their old books, or anything to help a little girl learn. I am too poor to buy any books, and the ladies can not get them for me.

Please put this letter in the Post-office Box.

HANNAH MCDANIEL, Lincolnton, Lincoln Co., N. C.

We hope little Hannah will write to us again, and tell us of the favors which we are confident she will receive from many of our young readers, of whose kind and generous hearts we have on different occasions had gratifying proof. We are sure they will not allow the appeal of this poor little colored girl to pass unnoticed.

* * * * *

BUTTERNUT LAKE, WISCONSIN.

My sister and I are delighted to have YOUNG PEOPLE again. We could not get along without it. We received the back numbers all safe before the snow blockade set in. The big snow-storms below shut us in two weeks without any mail.

We live on a beautiful inland lake, about fifty miles from Lake Superior. Our house is on a peninsula extending into the lake. We can look down through the "Narrows" into another lake, where we can see a beautiful island. The lake is full of pike and muskallonge, some of the latter weighing forty pounds. We have such beautiful trees here! Our pets are a big Newfoundland dog named Leo, and a Norwegian cat named Eric. Leo will stand on his hind-feet and beg, and go in the water for sticks. We can soon watch for the hepaticas.

FANNIE T. M.

* * * * *

MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA.

Our school takes HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE, and on Friday afternoons our teacher reads us a story from it, and after hearing it we have to write it out in our own words. The last we wrote about was "Cleopatra's Needle."

Our County Superintendent advised all the other schools to take YOUNG PEOPLE, so that the scholars might have something nice to read.

Our teacher has read "Toby Tyler" to us, and we are very much interested in it.

I wish every boy and girl in the United States could have YOUNG PEOPLE to read.

HARRY B. M.

* * * * *

DENMARK, KANSAS.

We came here from Pennsylvania almost two years ago.

There are lots of prairie-wolves out here. They come right up to the house at night after chickens. We have two dogs. One is a shepherd dog, and we have named him Wolf, because he looks so much like one. The other is a little rat terrier named Candle. One night the wolves came round the house, and the dogs ran out after them. Pretty soon we heard a dreadful yelping. We went out, and found one of the wolves had Candle in its mouth, and our Wolf was fighting like everything. When they saw us, the wolves dropped Candle and ran away.

My brothers and I and the dogs caught fifteen rabbits this winter. There are just lots of them out here.

There is very little timber here, only along the creeks. It is mostly cottonwood and elm. We live between two creeks, ten miles from town, and thirty miles from the railroad. Our school-house is two miles away. It has been very cold here this winter, with deep snow. We have to go three miles for the mail, and I generally go on horseback. We can hardly wait for Tuesday, for that is the day we get YOUNG PEOPLE.

ROBERT E. L. N.

* * * * *

CROW AGENCY, MONTANA.

There are about three thousand Indians around here. It is quite a show to see them dance. They have a large drum made of skin, and they paint and dress very queer. They are beginning now to come in after their annuities. When they are distributed, the employés haul them out in wagons, and the Indians sit around in rings, and each chief orders some of his men to receive the things and distribute them.

The winters here are very cold. They are much colder than in California, where I used to live. I am thirteen years old.

VOLNEY B. K.

* * * * *

ILION, NEW YORK.

I think that HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE is the best paper that I ever saw. It is welcomed alike by old and young in our household. We are all very much interested in "Toby Tyler," and we all laugh at the trials and troubles of Jimmy Brown.

My father taught school this winter, and I did not miss a day during the term. Now I am tending a sugar bush with my grandpa. We have a hut made of boards to shelter us when it storms; and it is rare fun to see the sap seethe and hiss in the great square pan which is set over the "arch," as the fire-place is called.

L. C. A.

* * * * *

MURFREESBOROUGH, TENNESSEE.

YOUNG PEOPLE is very interesting. I think "Phil's Fairies" is just beautiful.

I went to the mountains in North Carolina last summer, and mamma and I went to a mica mine and got some specimens. They are very beautiful. I heard the explosion, and I saw the mica and rock come up in a barrel, which was hoisted by a windlass worked by a donkey.

Besides the thin transparent pieces of mica, we gathered some specimens of white and green rock with little shreds of mica glistening in them. They are lovely. I am seven years old.

CLAIRE F. H.

* * * * *

I find YOUNG PEOPLE so interesting that I can not do without it. The boys here rush for it as eagerly as if the news-room were a candy stand.

I would like to exchange some good books (no novels) for the works of Oliver Optic or Harry Castlemon, or for other good books. I have a large library. I only desire books bound and in good condition.

Those wishing to exchange will please send me the title and name of author of the book, and I will send the same of any volume I am willing to give for it.

ALEXANDER A. REEVES, Emporia, Lyon Co., Kansas.

* * * * *

I will exchange a book entitled _Grimm's Fairy Tales_, in good condition, for Miss Alcott's _Eight Cousins_. Correspondents will please write before sending the book.

PLEASANCE MILLER, Chicorica Park, Raton, Colfax Co., New Mexico.

* * * * *

I will exchange Idaho minerals for well-bound books of an instructive character. Correspondents will please send a list of books they wish to exchange before sending me any package.

J. P. CLOUGH, Junction, Lemhi Co., Idaho.

We hope that these exchangers who wish to obtain books will meet with success and fair dealing, as we regard the exchange of books, if well conducted, as one likely to prove both pleasant and beneficial.

* * * * *

I would like to exchange a Baltimorean self-inking press for a good scroll-saw. My press is a new one. I will also give two boxes of old English and two of plain type for some patterns and saws.

VANDERBILT OLMSTEAD, 1558 Broadway, New York City.

* * * * *

I will exchange little cakes of nice maple sugar with any little girl, for shells or sea-moss. We make a good lot of sugar here.

I am nine years old.

EDNA WHEELER, Williamsville, Windham Co., Vt.

* * * * *

I live in Nagasaki, Japan. I was born here in an old temple. I have a little sister seven years old. I am always so glad to get YOUNG PEOPLE! I watch anxiously for every mail to come, that I may read the new stories.

I have a great many pressed flowers and ferns, which I would like to exchange, with any reader of YOUNG PEOPLE, for curious flower seeds, Indian arrow-heads, or other curiosities.

J. PROVOST STOUT, Nagasaki, Japan.

* * * * *

I am a Southern girl, and I love YOUNG PEOPLE as well as any of the Northern children. I live at our country-seat at a place called "Locust Grove." It is very dear to me, and very beautiful. It has been one of the coldest winters we have had in many years. The snow has been more than a foot deep in many places, and it staid on the ground three weeks.

I would like to exchange crochet patterns with some of the many little girls who write to the Post-office Box. I crochet a great deal, and I would like some new patterns.

LUCIE E. FOSTER, Louisburg, Franklin Co., N. C.

* * * * *

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

"Wee Tot" Brainard wishes to say that she has nearly one hundred letters now lying unanswered, and she asks her correspondents to be patient, and they shall all receive attention. Her cabinet of curiosities is really very fine. There are beautiful things from all parts of the world, and others are constantly coming.

"WEE TOT'S" PAPA.

* * * * *

I will exchange a specimen of the rock from which Michigan stucco and plaster are made, for any curiosity except stamps. The plaster beds are near here. To make the plaster they blast the rock, and break it and grind it.

BEN C. ROBINSON, 91 Prospect Street, Grand Rapids, Mich.

* * * * *

Perhaps some of the readers of YOUNG PEOPLE would like to know how I am getting a collection of pressed leaves, flowers, etc., for they are very interesting as well as pretty.

My Leaf Album, as I call it, is a blank-book about four and a half inches wide and seven and a half long, and it opens at the end. But I think that a larger book would be better, because it would hold some large leaves.

I put the leaves on one side of the paper only, and fasten them in with a tiny touch of gum mucilage, and beneath each I write the name, date, where picked, and often a few words relating to something that occurred. For instance, below one leaf in my album I wrote: "Elm leaf. May 22, 1880. Picked from the tree on which we had our swing, at the Sunday-school picnic, near the lake, five miles north of L----."

When I pick a leaf or flower I put it in a book to dry, arranging it carefully, and with it I put a slip of paper, on which I write the name of the leaf or flower, the date when picked, etc., so as not to get my specimens mixed. Then when they are real dry, I put them in my album.

Among the flowers in my album I have some potato blossoms, and they are very handsome. They keep their bright colors when dry. I think a great deal of my leaf album, and it is much admired by every one.

I will exchange pressed leaves and flowers, for pressed flowers from other States, and especially from foreign countries.

To go safely through the mails they should be placed between two thicknesses of card or paste board. I also have some foreign postage stamps, and I will give ten for ten department stamps; or fifteen foreign stamps, or the same number of postmarks, for a half-cent of 1849, or two of any other date.

A READER OF "YOUNG PEOPLE," P. O. Box 915, Emporia, Lyon Co., Kansas.

* * * * *

William and Jennie Otterson, Bennet Creek, Idaho, wish to notify their correspondents that they can not exchange any more Indian arrow-heads.

* * * * *

Lucy Sharp, Bridgeton, New Jersey, gives notice to correspondents that she has no more ferns to exchange.

* * * * *

L. H. Nelson, Philadelphia, notifies his correspondents that he was burned out, and is forced to withdraw from our exchange list.

* * * * *

The following exchanges are offered by correspondents:

Postmarks, for Indian relics and other curiosities.

THOMAS PAGE, P. O. Box 817, Williamsport, Penn.

* * * * *

Oregon land-moss, barnacles from Puget Sound, and white coral from the Pacific coast, for sea-moss, sea-weed, and shells.

MOLLIE C. VOORHEES, Woodburn, Marion Co., Oregon.

* * * * *

Old issues of United States stamps, for foreign stamps.

JOHN B. CHAMBERLINE, 69 Middle Street, Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.

* * * * *

Ivory nuts, for Indian arrow-heads.

WILLIE SHORT, Woodlawn Heights, New York City.

* * * * *

Stamps or postmarks, for minerals or cowries.

WALTER S. STILLMAN, P. O. Box 966, Council Bluffs, Iowa.

* * * * *

West India shells, foreign stamps, and United States postmarks, for Indian arrow-heads and other relics.

WILLIAM TODD, 2111 Spring Street, Philadelphia, Penn.

* * * * *

Choice minerals, for Indian arrow-heads or other Indian relics.

C. F. TEED, 508 Roe Avenue, Elmira, N. Y.

* * * * *

A printing-press, for a collection of stamps (no duplicates).

J. V. L. RANHARD, P. O. Box 371, Brookline, Mass.

* * * * *

Limestone, for Indian relics or curiosities; or a specimen of silver ore, for one of copper or lead.

HARRY S. ROBINSON, Care of Dr. O. F. Harvey, Wilkesbarre, Penn.

* * * * *

Stamps or postmarks, for stamps.

E. R., P. O. Box 125, Sherman, Grayson Co., Texas.

* * * * *

Foreign and United States stamps, for stamps from Egypt, Cape of Good Hope, Cuba, and South America.

ALEX. SELKIRK, JUN., 132 First Street, Albany, N. Y.

* * * * *

Pieces of tamarack, red cedar, and hickory, for bird's-eye maple and red or yellow birch.

LEON H. TAYLOR, Manchester, Delaware Co., Iowa.

* * * * *

Postage stamps and postmarks, for ocean curiosities and minerals.

WALTER S. RUSSELL, Cooperstown, Otsego Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

Stamps from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and other countries, for stamps or coins.

W. G. LANGDON, 5 Stanhope Street, Boston, Mass.

* * * * *

Indian arrow-heads, for minerals or sea-shells.

ARTHUR B. CARR, Henryville, Ind.

* * * * *

Specimens of poplar, maple, oak, hickory, bass, cottonwood, walnut, elm, box, and elder, for other woods, or for stamps or curiosities. Please label specimen.

FRED L. PARCHER, Marysville, Nodaway Co., Mo.

* * * * *

Mica, silver ore, or stones from Keuka Lake, for an Indian arrow-head, or minerals.

HARRIE D. WATSON, P. O. Box 434, Penn Yan, Yates Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

A few French stamps, and some old issues of United States stamps, for United States Navy, War, Interior, or State departments, or for foreign stamps.

R. G. W., P. O. Box 367, Norwalk, Conn.

* * * * *

Postage stamps, for a stamp album. Correspondents will please state how many stamps they would require for album.

T. J. ANDREWS, 290 Clermont Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.

* * * * *

A set of five German or Bavarian stamps, for two stamps from the Cape of Good Hope, Mexico, or South America.

EVERETT S. TREAT, Station M, New York City.

* * * * *

Forty foreign stamps (no duplicates), for twelve United States department stamps.

W. F. FRATCHER, Union News Co. Stand, Dépôt, Utica, N. Y.

* * * * *

Silver ore, for foreign postage stamps. Correspondents will please write name and value on back of each stamp.

VERNON CHESLEIGH, 14 Carmine Street (in store), New York City.

* * * * *

Three Mexican stamps, a five, ten, and twenty-five, for an Asiatic stamp.

JAMES L. MILLER, P. O. Box 141, Mamaroneck, Westchester Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

Asbestos from Pelham, Massachusetts, or quartz crystals from Diamond Mountain, Rhode Island, for shells, ocean curiosities, malachite, or copper ore.

FRANK W. COOKE, P. O. Box 54, Amherst, Mass.

* * * * *

Indian arrow-heads and specimens of meteoric rock, for Indian relics, ores, ocean curiosities, coins, or anything suitable for a museum.

JOHN G. CLARK, Economy, Wayne Co., Ind.

* * * * *

Foreign and United States stamps, coins, and autographs of noted men; or stones from Kansas, and a few relics from the Chicago fire, for a genuine Indian bow and arrows.

ELMER S. CUNNINGHAM, Champaign, Champaign Co., Ill.

* * * * *

Two Austrian stamps, for two Danish stamps.

E. A. CAMPBELL, 216 East Twenty-seventh Street, New York City.

* * * * *

Twenty-five foreign postage stamps (no duplicates), for a star-fish, sea-weeds, or Indian relics.

ALEX. STRONG, Monticello, Sullivan Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

Postmarks, buttons, or soil of Pennsylvania, for stamps, coins, or curiosities.

EDGAR F. JORDAN, 2129 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Penn.

* * * * *

White and red coral and a piece of Fort Marco, St. Augustine, Florida, for African, Asiatic, or European stamps.

HOWARD HOOKER, North Crescent Avenue, Avondale, near Cincinnati, Ohio.

* * * * *

Foreign postage stamps, for United States internal revenue stamps. No duplicates.

O. H. BRUCE, Piedmont, Mineral Co., W. Va.

* * * * *

Twenty-five good foreign stamps, for a three-cornered Cape of Good Hope stamp.

GEORGE S. SCHILLING, 104 South Third Street, Brooklyn, E. D., N. Y.

* * * * *

Minerals, stamps, and postmarks, for minerals and stamps.

ELLISTON J. PEROT, Morton Street, Germantown, Penn.

* * * * *

Full sets of War, Interior, Navy, and Post-office department stamps, for rare old United States envelopes. High values especially desired.

H. W. PRATT, 1212 New York Avenue, Washington, D. C.

* * * * *

New York State minerals, for specimens from any other State.

H. H. PIFFARD, P. O. Box 136, Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, N. Y.

* * * * *

Postmarks, for curiosities or Indian relics.

ALLIE MAXWELL, 68 Eighth Street, Hoboken, N. J.

* * * * *

A set of fancy card type for amateur printers' use, for one hundred and fifty foreign stamps (no duplicates).

ISAAC A. W. MORAN, 175 East 113th Street, New York City.

* * * * *

Thirty-one postage stamps, a green-colored mineral, a specimen of copper ore, and a piece of Pulpit Rock, for a copy of the rules and regulations of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

H. MCKEAN, Jackson, Amador Co., Cal.

* * * * *

An Indian arrow-head and two pieces of pottery, for twenty foreign postage stamps.

EDDIE GORDON, Beaver Dam, Dodge Co., Wis.

* * * * *

We are very sorry to say that one of our young correspondents has sent us as an original composition for YOUNG PEOPLE a puzzle which was published some time ago in another paper. By so doing he has forfeited our confidence, and we shall be obliged to exclude his name from our columns for the future.

* * * * *

J. H.--Amati violins in perfect condition have brought a price as high as $1500, while poor ones have been sold for $300. At a recent sale in London some very good ones brought prices ranging from $800 to $900. There are only a very few specimens of genuine Amati violins in this country.

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We acknowledge, with thanks, a beautifully written "prize letter" from a little girl, pupil in a public school in Howard City, Michigan; and also a package of twelve letters from the boys and girls of a primary school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We regret that we have no room to print these favors. They are all neatly written and prettily expressed, and even could we print the best one from our little friends in Pittsburgh, we would not know which to choose. Our young readers will be pleased to know that every one of these Pittsburgh school-children is deeply interested in the adventures of Toby Tyler, and full of sympathy for his misfortunes.

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LEWIS B. M.--The set consisting of seven stamps, including stamped envelope, is worth about twelve cents if cancelled. A set of the same, uncancelled, can be bought for sixty cents.

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EDMUND S. H.--Russian merchant vessels have the right to pass out of the Black Sea through the Dardanelles, but ships of war are not allowed to pass without a firman from the Porte.--Servia is an independent principality. Roumania is also independent, and until very recently has had the same form of government as Servia, but by a vote unanimously passed by the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, Prince Charles of Roumania has become King. Bulgaria is a vassal of the Porte.

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GUSSIE S.--Jimmy Brown is alive, and is not an old man.

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KARL C. W.--See answer to C. N. C. in the Post-office Box of YOUNG PEOPLE No. 67.

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R., VIRGINIA.--Your stamp was issued at Memphis, Tennessee, in 1861, and, if in good condition, is now worth about one dollar, as it is rare. The letters you can not make out are _ay_.

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ALICE N. B.--The name given by the English to the Indian who caused the death of King Philip was Alderman. His Indian name is not given in any history. He was one of the followers of King Philip; but when Philip killed his brother because he had advised the King to listen to proposals for peace, he vowed revenge, and going to the English, offered to show them where Philip was concealed. Captain Church immediately started for the swamp near Mount Hope with a party of armed men, guided by Alderman. Philip's wigwam was surrounded, and the chieftain himself was shot as he was attempting to escape through the forest. It is a matter of dispute whether the bullet which pierced the heart of Philip was fired by Alderman, the Indian, or by Caleb Cook, the Plymouth soldier who stood by his side, but the deed is generally attributed to Alderman.

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PUZZLES FROM YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS.

No. 1.

ENIGMA.

In girl, not in boy. In grief, not in joy. In rags, not in silk. In cream, not in milk. In foot, not in toe. In fast, not in slow. In ramble, not in roam. In Africa my home.

PERCY.

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No. 2.

EASY WORD SQUARES.

1.--1. Refreshing in summer. 2. A girl's name. 3. An ancient ruler. 4. Adjacent.

EMILY.

2.--1. A metal. 2. A girl's name. 3. A mineral substance. 4. Moist.

GEORGE W.

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No. 3.

NUMERICAL CHARADES.

1. I am the classic name of a European peninsula composed of 11 letters. My 1, 2, 3, 4 is to examine carefully. My 5, 6, 7 is a loud sound. My 9, 8, 7 is a kind of wagon. My 5, 10, 11, 4, 3 is a character in mythology.

WILLIE P. C.

2. I am composed of 9 letters, and am a character well known to readers of YOUNG PEOPLE. My 3, 8, 7, 5 encircles. My 9, 6, 8 is a kind of grain. My 1, 2, 4 is a trifle.

OLIVER TWIST.

3. I am a wonderful natural curiosity in the United States composed of 11 letters. My 10, 11, 6, 5 is to prohibit. My 4, 9, 3, 1, 2 is a sweet word. My 8, 7, 2, 6 is what school-girls like to do.

M. C. H.

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No. 4.

FRAME PUZZLE.

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Make this frame of four words of ten letters each. The intersecting letter at each corner is A, and the words signify: foreign; to institute; to scourge; a substance containing iron.

BOLUS.

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No. 5.

TRIPLE ENIGMA--(_To Starry Flag_).

In vindictive, not in spurn. In incense, not in burn. In grains, but not in rice. In nutmeg, not in spice. In savage, not in free. Three goddesses were we Worshipped in Greece and Rome, And Olympus was our home.

DAME DURDEN.

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ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN No. 73.

No. 1.

Grosbeak, Bobolink.

No. 2.

A P P A L A C H I C O L A T A L L A H A S S E E A S T R A K H A N M I L T Z I N P A T O S T A Y H B O N S A O N E C H I C A G O N E U C H A T E L K L A U S E N B U R G R I V I E R E D U L O U P

No. 3.

V I C E S S T A R T I D E A L T U N E R C E A S E A N I S E E A S E D R E S I N S L E D S T R E N T

K A T E I T E M A C I D T I M E T I D E E M I R E D E N M E R E

No. 4.

1. Electric light. 2. Coal-scuttle. 3. King Arthur.

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Throwing Light, on page 336.--Furze, furs, firs.

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Correct answers to puzzles have been received from Alice N. Blood, Ray B., _Hugh Burns_, _Boys of Marcella Street Home_, Alice Cantine, Howard Cleveland, R. O. Chester, "Dollars and Cents," "Ed. I. Torial," John C. Gabel, Edward Gude, Henry Gottlieb, J. L. Hastie, Jun., Willie Hartwell, Eddie S. Hequembourg, Frank Haines, Alice M. H., "L. U. Stral," "Lode Star," "Milwaukee," _Percy L. McDermott_, May and Fannie, "Pepper," A. P., Harold N. Pleis, Edith Ross, "Starry Flag," _Howard J. Van Doren_, Willie F. Woolard, "Young Solver."

HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE.

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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.

THE STUCK-UP BOY.

A ravenous boy at Manassas Once ate so much cake and molasses That he (living in clover) Grew sticky all over, So that various things, from old letters to corks, Spoons, bread-crumbs, and scissors, raised biscuits, and forks, Stuck to him like brothers, Burrs, beggars, or mothers, Until every one yelled, "He's the stuckupest boy that we ever beheld."

LEAD AND ITS USES.

The uses of lead are numerous: it is employed in making the fine kinds of glass, enabling them to bear the sudden changes of heat and cold better; also to give glass a proper degree of weight, and render it more easy to be cut without breaking. Lead gives to glass a greater power of refracting the rays of light, and confers upon it a higher polish.

A mixture of lead with tin forms _pewter_, and the same metals in different proportions make that useful article to plumbers and others, _soft solder_.

Lead, in the condition of sheets, has long been employed for the preservation of the bodies of great personages, and is in common use for coffins.

You have often seen the thin sheet-lead with which boxes of tea, imported from China, are lined. The manufacture of this by the Chinese is very simple. The lead plates are not rolled, as from their extreme thinness might be supposed; nor even hammered, as the appearance of the surface might indicate; but actually cast at once in the state in which we see them. Two men are employed; one of them is seated on the floor, with a large flat stone before him, and with a movable flat stone stand at his side. His fellow-workman stands beside him with a crucible filled with melted lead; and having poured a sufficient quantity on the slab, the other lifts the movable stone, and placing it suddenly on the fluid lead, presses it out into a flat and thin plate, which he instantly removes from the stone. A second quantity of lead is poured on in a similar manner, and a like plate formed, the process being carried on with singular rapidity. The rough edges of the plates are then cut off, and they are afterward soldered together for use.

Large quantities of lead are used for the manufacture of shot and bullets. The smaller kinds of shot are made by pouring the metal from a considerable height, in consequence of which it separates into globular masses of different sizes, which cool during their descent, and in the water into which they fall.

CHARADE.

My first is truly the first Among persons of every degree; My second composes my whole, And without it my whole can not be.

Yet unless from my second my whole Is separate wholly and free, My whole can never exist. Now read you this riddle to me.

LONDON BRIDGE.

"London Bridge is falling down, Falling down, falling down-- London Bridge is falling down, So farewell, my lady.

"You've broke the locks, and stole my gold, Stole my gold, stole my gold-- You've broke the locks, and stole my gold, So farewell, my lady.

"Then off to prison you'll have to go, Have to go, have to go-- Then off to prison you'll have to go, So farewell, my lady."

DESCRIPTION OF THE GAME.

One may often see in our city streets a group of children, two standing with uplifted hands while the others pass between, and chanting, in a tune of their own, the foregoing words. At the conclusion the hands are dropped around a comrade, and he is asked to choose between the two leaders, who have decided upon names--as, "a gold church," and "a silver castle"--and placed behind his choice. At last all are caught. Then comes the "tug," often a very unequal and amusing contest.

End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Young People, April 12, 1881, by Various