Chapter 4

It is not difficult to imagine the melancholy change wrought in the appearance of the city. Broadway, once so beautiful, remained until the end of the war in great part a street of ruins. From Wall Street to the Battery, from St. Paul's Church to the Bowling Green, the miserable waste was never repaired. Up its desolate track paraded each morning the British officers and their followers, shining in red and gold, to the sound of martial music; but they had no leisure nor wish to repair the ravages of war. On the wasted district arose a collection of tents and hovels, called "Canvas Town." Here lived the miserable poor, the wretched, the vile; robbers who at night made the ruins unsafe, and incendiaries who never ceased to terrify the unlucky city. The British garrison was never suffered to remain long at ease.

It was said that the great fire of 1776 was the work of the patriots, who had resolved to burn New York, and drive the invaders from their safe resting-place. The question of its origin has never been decided. It may have been altogether accidental, or possibly the work of design. But it was followed by a singular succession of other fires, during the period of the British ascendency, that seem to show some settled plan to annoy and discourage the invaders. The newspapers of the time are filled with accounts of the misfortunes of the garrison and the royalists.

TO MY VALENTINE.

BY M. M.

In love and hope These blossoms fair I lay at your dear feet!

Deep-folded In the rose's heart You'll find my secret, sweet!

OUR POST-OFFICE BOX.

LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS.

I would like to know how old is the festival of St. Valentine's Day. I have painted some little cards myself, and am going to send them to my school-mates. I think that is better than buying them, even if I can not make them quite so pretty. I am going to copy a little verse on the back of each one. Mamma has chosen the verses for me.

S. F. W.

There is no clear record of the origin of St. Valentine's Day. St. Valentine himself was a priest of Rome who was martyred some time during the third century, but he had nothing to do with the peculiar observance of his day. In ancient Rome a great part of the month of February was devoted to feasts in honor of Pan and Juno, during which the young men drew by lot the name of their companion for the festivities. It is supposed that this ancient custom changed gradually into the present observance of the day. Many allusions to St. Valentine's Day are found in English poetry of the earliest date, as the festival was much more generally observed four centuries ago than now.

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PEEKSKILL, NEW YORK.

I am a little boy eight years old. I want to tell you that papa heard a bluebird sing in a chestnut-tree on January 11. I have six cats and three ducks. One of my cats died last week, and I buried her. Poor Susie!

S. B. H.

The little bluebird must have left its winter-quarters in the Southern States, and travelled with the warm wave which swept northward in January. It is to be hoped it will escape being frozen to death, and live to sing its sweet spring song at a more seasonable time.

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SHELBYVILLE, TENNESSEE, _January 20_.

I send you some flowers which grew in the front yard. The buttercups and purple magnolias are blooming also, but I could not press them to send them to you. I have seen some bluebirds and redbirds. Many of our flowers are blooming. It is just like summer out-doors.

E. B. COOPER.

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HUDSON, WISCONSIN.

I have a little rabbit I like very much. It lives with the hens in winter. Papa bought two in Chicago. They travelled to Washington in a peach basket. When papa brought them home he gave one to me. The other was drowned last summer in a hard storm. My rabbit likes apples, potato skins, clover, grass, hay, and corn, and I must not give it oats nor anything greasy.

CARRIE E. SILLMAN.

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

I have a little dog named Fanny, who shakes rats, and cats too when she gets a chance. She talks, and she shows her teeth when she laughs, and sneezes when she is pleased.

LAURA B. W. (eight years).

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WELLSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA.

As you have asked us to write about household pets, I thought I would tell you about a pet fish we kept in a stone basin about three feet square and two feet deep. We caught the fish in Cross Creek, and brought it home in a bucket, and placed it in the basin. It was a yellow bass about ten inches long and very pretty. It soon got very tame, and would take a fishing-worm out of my fingers. It committed suicide one night by jumping out on the floor and killing itself. I have a sunfish in the basin now, but I don't expect it will ever get so tame. There are four or five pretty redbirds staying in our yard, and lots of snowbirds.

SAMUEL J.

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NEW YORK CITY.

In YOUNG PEOPLE No. 11 there is an article on the Dead-letter Office at Washington which mentions some curious things to go through the mail. There are three more very queer things I would like to mention. The first is two centipedes, which are on the shelf with the snake; the second is an iron hitching post; and the third is a live alligator about a foot and a half long. There is an old record in the office of 1778, which lasted at that time eleven years, but which, a clerk said, would last now about fifteen minutes.

K. P.

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GEORGE B. WEBSTER.--Coons are very fond of fish, and you might bait your trap with salt cod-fish roasted to give it a strong smell. The sense of smell of a coon is very acute, and it will rarely pass a trap baited with any provender it can scent.

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LOUIE E.--The song you require is not yet published, but will probably be issued before long.

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I. H. MIRKIL, JUN.--Any letters sent to the care of Harper & Brothers will be forwarded.

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M. AND E. N.--Early numbers of YOUNG PEOPLE can be obtained on application to the publishers.

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F. A. RIGGS AND ERNEST A. F.--You must inquire at your post-office for missing numbers. They have all been mailed to your address.

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CHARLES W. L.--The best way to understand the construction of certain kinds of puzzles is to study the answers and puzzles together. You will find some answers given in this number which will help you.

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"GOLDEN," M. E. B., AND OTHERS.--We can not print puzzles unless accompanied with full name and address, as guarantee that they are original. Correspondents will please pay attention to this, as we have been compelled to reject some very pretty puzzles because they came without address. Never send old puzzles, as some have done, for they are worthless. Be very careful to give a clear and correct definition of words used in word squares, diamond puzzles, beheadings, acrostics, and charades. One poor definition will spoil an otherwise excellent puzzle. Do not take a name little known, like that of some Western town, to form an enigma, for children in some other part of the country will find it difficult to solve.

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Favors are acknowledged from "Bessie," Canada; Mary A. Tucker, Nebraska; H. Russell P., Homburg, Germany; Mary De Motte, Wisconsin; Hallie A. J., Minnesota; A. S. K., Missouri; Florence May, Michigan; Ollie M., Washington Territory. From Indiana--W. A. Burr, Allie W. F., H. I. Y. From Illinois--Harry Atkins, Helen and Hattie. From Ohio--Hazie H. P., Vincent J. Nolan, James W. R. From Pennsylvania--Fannie K., Amy F. From New York--George J. B., U. Weiler, Hattie Wagner, Anna L. A., May Thornton, Irvie Easton, Grace P., Charlie L.; M. A. T. and F. V. B., Kentucky; Percy B. M., Massachusetts; Bertie, Washington, D. C.; Harry Lovell, New Jersey.

Correct answers to puzzles received from N. L. Collamer, Washington, D. C.; Samuel J., West Virginia; Florence Dickson, Delaware; Sallie Teal, Oregon; Ernest B. Cooper, Tennessee; Arthur P. S., Wisconsin; Dorsey Coate, Indiana; Albert W. J., Illinois; E. S. C., Michigan. From Ohio--Belle M., Nellie B., Fannie Barnett, B. M. E. From Pennsylvania--"Little Marie," Laura B. W., Eddie H. K., "Spot," Charles H. C., Minnie and Florence M., Charles W. Lisk, Clarissa H. H. From New York--Frank H. Dodd, F. W. P., O. G. Boyle, V. O., Allie D. D., George K. MacN., W. E. Baker, Pauline G., Gus A. S., Bertie Reid, J. E. Hardenbergh, Nena Crommelin, Rosie Macdonald; Alonzo Stagg, New Jersey; Daisy B. H., Maine. From Rhode Island--Ella W., F. H. Vaughn, M. W. Dam, Annie Baker. From Connecticut--William H. H., "Golden." From Massachusetts--Ida G. Rust, E. A. Abbot, Frank M. Richards, E. Allen Cushing.

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PUZZLES FROM YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS.

No. 1.

ENIGMA.

My first is in good, but not in bad. My second is in funny, but not in sad. My third is in sit, but not in stand. My fourth is in tune, but not in band. My fifth is in pan, but not in pot. My sixth is in clear, but not in blot. My whole is a musical instrument.

SPOT.

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No. 2.

DIAMOND PUZZLE.

A consonant. A vegetable. A South African animal. Cunning. A vowel.

SPOT (twelve years).

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No. 3.

ENIGMA.

My first is in feel, but not in see. My second is in run, but not in flee. My third is in wasp, but not in bee. My fourth is in friend, but not in foe. My fifth is in seek, but not in go. My sixth is in flour, but not in dough. My seventh is in tin, but not in can. My eighth is in grain, and also in bran. My whole was the name of an eminent man.

E. S. C. (twelve years).

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No. 4.

NUMERICAL CHARADE.

I am composed of 19 letters. My 4, 9, 6 is a school-boy's game. My 14, 9, 8, 11, 13 is something most children like. My 17, 9, 18, 12 comes from the clouds. My 19, 15, 3, 1 is part of a church organ. My 2, 5, 4 is not cold. My 10, 16, 11 is a boy's name. My 13, 7, 9, 19, 15 is used in making bread. My whole is the name of an interesting story for children.

NELLIE B. (seven years).

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No. 5.

DOUBLE ACROSTIC.

To seize. To regret. A tune. Close to. To endeavor. Answer--two great military commanders.

N. L. COLLAMER.

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No. 6.

WORD SQUARE.

First, a crack. Second, a rope. Third, soon. Fourth, departed.

N. L. COLLAMER.

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Answers to Puzzles in No. 11.

No. 1.

W A R. A D A. R A W.

No. 2.

Street.

No. 3.

Washington.

No. 4.

Athens.

No. 5.

Candle.

No. 6.

N or A. E l L. W e B. A nn A. R u N. K e Y.

Newark, Albany.

No. 7.

No, I thank you.

No. 8.

HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE.

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Address HARPER & BROTHERS, Franklin Square, N. Y.

A LIBERAL OFFER FOR 1880 ONLY.

HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE _and_ HARPER'S WEEKLY _will be sent to any address for one year, commencing with the first Number of_ HARPER'S WEEKLY _for January, 1880, on receipt of $5.00 for the two Periodicals_.

CANDY

Send one, two, three, or five dollars for a sample box, by express, of the best Candies in America, put up elegantly and strictly pure. Refers to all Chicago. Address

C. F. GUNTHER, Confectioner, 78 MADISON STREET, CHICAGO.

WOODEN WEDDING PRESENTS

Ready-made and to order.

SCROLL SAWS, DESIGNS, AND WOOD,

At LITTLE'S TOOL STORE, 59 Fulton St., N. Y. City.

Circulars free by mail.

6 months for 10 cents, on trial.

_Depuy's Monthly Miscellany_, a large 8 page newspaper. Sample free. C. G. DEPUY, Syracuse, N. Y.

Old Books for Young Readers.

* * * * *

Arabian Nights' Entertainments.

The Thousand and One Nights; or, The Arabian Nights' Entertainments. Translated and Arranged for Family Reading, with Explanatory Notes, by E. W. LANE. 600 Illustrations by Harvey. 2 vols., 12mo, Cloth, $3.50.

Robinson Crusoe.

The Life and Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner. By DANIEL DEFOE. With a Biographical Account of Defoe. Illustrated by Adams. Complete Edition. 12mo, Cloth, $1.50.

The Swiss Family Robinson.

The Swiss Family Robinson; or, Adventures of a Father and Mother and Four Sons on a Desert Island. Illustrated. 2 vols., 18mo, Cloth, $1.50.

The Swiss Family Robinson--Continued: being a Sequel to the Foregoing. 2 vols., 18mo, Cloth, $1.50.

Sandford and Merton.

The History of Sandford and Merton. By THOMAS DAY. 18mo, Half Bound, 75 cents.

* * * * *

Published by HARPER & BROTHERS, New York.

_Sent by mail, postage prepaid, to any part of the United States, on receipt of the price._

MRS. MORTIMER'S

BOOKS FOR THE NURSERY.

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Lines Left Out.

Lines Left Out; or, Some of the Histories Left Out in "Line upon Line." The First Part relates Events in the Times of the Patriarchs and the Judges. Illustrated. By Mrs. ELIZABETH MORTIMER. 16mo, Cloth, 75 cents.

The volume is an attractive juvenile book, handsomely brought out, rendering Scripture incidents into pleasant paraphrases.--_Northwestern Christian Advocate_, Chicago.

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More about Jesus.

More about Jesus. Illustrations and a Map. By Mrs. ELIZABETH MORTIMER. 16mo, Cloth, 75 cents.

It consists of a series of stories, embracing the whole of the events in the life of our Blessed Lord, told in a plain, simple style, suited to the capacities of children of seven or eight years of age. But better still, all good children's books are good for adults; and this will be found equally useful to put into the hands of very ignorant grown-up people, who may from this learn the story of man's redemption in an intelligent manner. Many of the lessons are illustrated with pictures of the places mentioned.

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Streaks of Light.

Streaks of Light; or, Fifty-two Facts from the Bible for Fifty-two Sundays of the Year. Illustrated. By Mrs. ELIZABETH MORTIMER. 16mo, Cloth, 75 cents.

"This little work," says the author, "has received the distinguished honor of being appointed to be one of the class-books of the Samoan Collegians, and has been made to subserve the highest of all purposes--the preaching of the Gospel. To that purpose it is adapted when the hearers are untaught, untrained, and unreflecting. Each lesson can be understood by those who have no previous knowledge, and each is calculated to be the first address to one who has never before heard of God or his Christ."

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Reading without Tears.

Reading without Tears; or, A Pleasant Mode of Learning to Read. Illustrated. Small 4to, Cloth. By Mrs. ELIZABETH MORTIMER. Two Parts. Part I., 49 cents; Part II., 62 cents; complete in One Volume, $1.03.

An easy, simple, and pleasant book for the tiny scholars of the nursery-room. It contains a picture for every word of spelling capable of pictorial explanation. The reading-lessons have been carefully selected, being composed of the preceding spelling-lessons, by which means, together with the picture meanings, the words are easily impressed on the memory of a very young child.--_Athenaeum_, London.

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Published by HARPER & BROTHERS, New York.

HARPER & BROTHERS _will send any of the above works by mail, postage prepaid, to any part of the United States, on receipt of the price_.

DU CHAILLU'S STORIES

OF

ADVENTURE IN AFRICA.

* * * * *

Stories of the Gorilla Country.

By PAUL B. DU CHAILLU. Illustrated. 12mo, Cloth, $1.50.

It is a capital book for boys. * * * The stories it contains are full of the kind of novelty, peril, and adventure which are so fascinating.--_Spectator_, London.

These stories are entertaining and are well told, and they are calculated to impart much knowledge of natural history to youthful readers.--_Boston Traveller._

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Wild Life under the Equator.

By PAUL B. DU CHAILLU. Illustrated. 12mo, Cloth, $1.50.

The amount of enjoyment that was afforded to the children by the previous work of this author, "Stories of the Gorilla Country," is beyond computation. * * * We have read every word of "Wild Life under the Equator" with the liveliest interest and satisfaction. No ingenious youth of twelve in the land will find it more "awfully jolly" than did we.--_N. Y. Evening Post._

* * * * *

Lost in the Jungle.

By PAUL B. DU CHAILLU. Illustrated. 12mo, Cloth, $1.50.

Full of adventures with savage men and wild beasts; shows how these strange people live, what they eat and drink, how they build, and what they worship; and will instruct as well as amuse.--_Boston Journal._

A whole granary of information, dressed up in such a form as to make it nutritious for young minds, as well as attractive for youthful appetites.--_Philadelphia Ledger._

* * * * *

My Apingi Kingdom:

With Life in the Great Sahara, and Sketches of the Chase of the Ostrich, Hyena, &c. By PAUL B. DU CHAILLU. Illustrated. 12mo, Cloth, $1.50.

In this book Mr. Du Chaillu relates the story of his sojourn in Apingi Land, of which he was elected king by the kind-hearted and hospitable natives. * * * We assure the reader that it is full of stirring incidents and exciting adventures. Many chapters are exceedingly humorous, and others are quite instructive. The chapter, for instance, on the habits of the white and tree ants contains an interesting contribution to natural history.--_N. Y. Herald._

* * * * *

The Country of the Dwarfs.

By PAUL B. DU CHAILLU. Illustrated. 12mo, Cloth, $1.50.

Hail to thee, Paul! thou hero of single-handed combats with gorillas and every imaginable beast that ever howled through the deserts, from the elephant to the kangaroo; thou unscathed survivor of a thousand-and-one vicissitudes by fire, field, and flood; thou glowing historian of thine own superlatively glorious deeds: thou writer of books that make the hairs of the children stand on every available end; thou proud king of the Apingi savages of the equator; hail! we say.--_Utica Herald._

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Published by HARPER & BROTHERS, N. Y.

_Sent by mail, postage prepaid, to any part of the United States, on receipt of the price._

WIGGLES.

Here are some of the answers to the Wiggle published in No. 10 of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE. So many were sent in that it was impossible to publish them all, and so our artist selected those that he considered the best. Those that he used were sent in by J. R. S., J. B. G., M. E., A. T. Jones, Paul, D. C. Gilmore, H. and B., and Bert W. S., several of whom sent a number of different figures.

Others, and some of them very good, were sent in by W. B. B., Ethel M., S. A. W., Jun., John Peddle, C. F., Nettie S. H., Willie H. S., Mabel M., E. H. S., Hetty, M. Ward, Philip M., Amenio E. A., Willy H., H. W. P., J. L., Mary P., Archie H. L., C. B. F., R. S. M., W. A. Burr, Percy B. M., Paul. B. T., E. S., C. F. C., Gracie C., Eva M., and Anita R. N. Figure No. 8 is what our artist made of the Wiggle; and Figure No. 9 is a new Wiggle in two parts, which must be combined in one drawing, though they must retain their relative positions.

THE LONG-EARED BAT.

A long-eared bat Went to buy a hat. Said the hatter, "I've none that will do, Unless with the shears I shorten your ears, Which might be unpleasant to you."

The long-eared bat Was so mad at that He flew over lands and seas, Till in Paris (renowned For its fashions) he found A hat that he wore with great ease.

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=Another Sagacious Dog.=--In No. 11 of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE a story was told of a sagacious newspaper dog. Having read this, a Western editor sends the following story of his dog, in which he says: "My dog is a beautiful Gordon setter, and has been so well trained that while the carrier is delivering papers on one side of the street, Bob, the dog, delivers on the other. He receives his papers folded, half a dozen at a time, and going to the first place, lays the whole bundle down, and then picks it up, all but one, and so on till they are all gone."

HIS FIRST VALENTINE.

CHORUS OR ENVIOUS RIVALS. "Oho! Jimmy Dobbs is in Love!"