Chapter 4

I have a little canary-bird. He is quite young, but is a beautiful singer, and almost always when he sings he says, "Pretty, pretty," so plain you could not mistake it. He is also very tame, and when I let him out of his cage he comes and stands on my shoulder, and hops around me. If I put my finger in his cage, he gets very cross, and waves his wings and pecks at me, and makes a queer noise as if he were scolding.

EFFIE T. (twelve years).

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I am a little girl nine years old, and I live in Southbridge, Massachusetts. I see that one little girl has written about her pet pigeon. I have a pet squirrel. He is so tame he will run all over me. Last summer we let him run out in the front yard, and papa put him in a tree, but he would not climb it. Papa has subscribed for _Young People_ for me. I like it very much, and look forward with pleasure to the time for it to come. Thank you for making it larger; it is just nice.

JOSIE S. E.

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FORT WAYNE, INDIANA.

I received _Young People_ for Christmas, and like the stories very much. I like "Photogen and Nycteris" so much that I can hardly wait till the next number comes. The engravings are very nice. I think that there was never a paper so interesting. I thank you for the "Wiggles" and other games. Happy New-Year.

WALTER C.

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ROCHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA.

I am ten years old. I like _Young People_ the best of any paper I ever saw. It is the first paper my papa has ever taken for me. He takes the _Weekly_. I think the _Young People_ is just the right size for binding, and I am going to have it bound at the end of the year.

BERTIE SHALLENBERGER.

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I am very much interested in your paper. I am going to save up my money to take it. I am nine years old. I have a pony named Coby. I enjoy him very much. He is a Texas pony. I live in Richmond, Kentucky, where the grass is so blue.

BIJUR WHITE.

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Letters are acknowledged from Maude J. W., Dayton, Washington Territory; Dannie Bullard, Schuylerville, New York; Lurean C., Mazomanie, Wisconsin; Fred E. B., Cambridge, Massachusetts; Harry R., Winona, Minnesota; H. W. Singer, Cincinnati, Ohio; Minnie W. Jacobs, Indiana, Pennsylvania; Percy W. Shedd, Attlebury, New York; Lizzie C., Utica, New York; Willie Hamilton, Alleghany City, Pennsylvania; Zella Thompson, Boston, Massachusetts; O. R. Heinze, Allentown, Pennsylvania; Frederick L. B., Brooklyn, Long Island; and Lyman C., M. C. S., and William F. B., New York city.

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"DEL," Zanesville, Ohio.--Flat cribbage-boards can be bought at a very low price, and folding ones which hold the cards are not expensive. You might make one from a piece of thick pasteboard, but as there must be sixty-one peg-holes for each player, it would not be easy to cut them neatly.--It is more customary to leave a card for each person called upon, especially where the visit is formal.

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GEORGE H. H.--Harper's new School Geography gives Wheeling as the capital of West Virginia.

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FREDIE G.--Even if you are only seven years, you are old enough to read a boys' book about wild animals. Lions will catch and eat nearly all beasts that come in their way. They will even overpower a giraffe or a buffalo. The elephant and rhinoceros are almost the only quadrupeds a lion dare not meddle with.

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OUR CHRISTMAS PUZZLE.

LOVELAND, OHIO.

I think I have correctly worked the Christmas Puzzle in _Young People_. I had to study some time over "ray," never having heard of such a fish. It was only by finding what letters I needed in the columns 11, 9, 9 that I saw they were r a y. On looking in the dictionary I found there was a fish called by that name. "Yard" also puzzled me a great deal. The other words were easily found.

M. T. C.

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WILMINGTON, DELAWARE.

My brother Bertie and I have had a nice time finding the answer to your Christmas Puzzle in No. 8 of _Young People_. We thank you very much for your kind wish, and wish you the same in return. Can your young readers tell what it is we wish you?

LILLIE J.

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All these boys and girls have also told our Christmas Puzzle wish correctly: Maynard A. M., M. A. S., and F. V. B., Alexina K. D., F. E. Coombs, Willie J. M., Virgil C. M., Amy L. H., Etta Douglass, Annie G. Long, Willie H. S., Lilian Forbes, Jamie D. H., Huntington W., A. A. B., Mamie M., Nellie P., Essie B., Fred D. H., Zadie H. D., Edna Heinen, Seabury G. P., E. A. De Lima, Claudie M. Tice, Louie A., J. M. Wolfe, Carroll O. B., George F. D., S. K. S., Effie K. T., G. M. B., Ada and Clara, Florence D., Alice P., E. C. Repper, and George Henry.

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The answer to Christmas Puzzle in _Young People_ No. 8 is, "I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New-Year."

ADVERTISEMENTS.

HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE.

HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE will be issued every Tuesday, and may be had at the following rates--_payable in advance, postage free_:

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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_.

FRAGRANT

SOZODONT

Is a composition of the purest and choicest ingredients of the vegetable kingdom. It cleanses, beautifies, and preserves the =TEETH=, hardens and invigorates the gums, and cools and refreshes the mouth. Every ingredient of this =Balsamic= dentifrice has a beneficial effect on the =Teeth and Gums=. =Impure Breath=, caused by neglected teeth, catarrh, tobacco, or spirits, is not only neutralized, but rendered fragrant, by the daily use of =SOZODONT=. It is as harmless as water, and has been indorsed by the most scientific men of the day. Sold by druggists.

PHOTO VISITING CARDS. SAMPLE FREE.

Latest style now all the Rage. One dozen, Finest Gilt Edged, Round Cornered, with Name and Photograph, only 60 cents; 2 doz. $1. Sample and MAMMOTH 148-Page Book =FREE=. H. B. MATHEWS' SONS, 220 Lake Street, Chicago.

=PLAYS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE=, with Songs and Choruses, adapted for Private Theatricals. With the Music and necessary directions for getting them up. Sent on receipt of 30 cents, by HAPPY HOURS COMPANY, No. 5 Beekman Street, New York. Send your address for a Catalogue of Tableaux, Charades, Pantomimes, Plays, Reciters, Masks, Colored Fire, &c., &c.

"_Learning made pleasant._"

N. Y. EVENING POST.

* * * * *

SCIENCE FOR THE YOUNG.

By JACOB ABBOTT.

_ILLUSTRATED._

4 volumes, 12mo, Cloth, $1.50 each.

I. HEAT. II. LIGHT. III. WATER AND LAND. IV. FORCE.

If a mass-meeting of parents and children were to be held for the purpose of erecting a monument to the author who has done most to entertain and instruct the young folks, there would certainly be a unanimous vote in favor of Mr. Jacob Abbott. Two or three generations of American youth owe some of their most pleasant hours of recreation to his story-books; and his latest productions are as fresh and youthful as those which the papas and mammas of to-day once looked forward to as the most precious gifts from the Christmas bag of old Santa Claus. The series published under the general title of "Science for the Young" might be called "Learning made Pleasant." An interesting story runs through each, and beguiles the reader into the acquisition of a vast amount of useful knowledge under the genial pretence of furnishing amusement. No intelligent child can read these volumes without obtaining a better knowledge of physical science than many students have when they leave college.--_N. Y. Evening Post._

Jacob Abbott is almost the only writer in the English language who knows how to combine real amusement with real instruction in such a manner that the eager young readers are quite as much interested in the useful knowledge he imparts as in the story which he makes so pleasant a medium of instruction.--_Buffalo Commercial Advertiser._

Mr. Abbott has avoided the error of slurring over the difficulties of the subject through the desire of making it intelligible and attractive to unlearned readers. The numerous illustrations which accompany every chapter are of unquestionable value in the comprehension of the text, and come next to actual experiment as an aid to the reader.--_N. Y. Tribune._

* * * * *

Published by HARPER & BROTHERS, New York.

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

"_A book beyond the pale of criticism._"

N. Y. DAILY GRAPHIC.

* * * * *

THE

Boy Travellers in the Far East.

* * * * *

ADVENTURES OF TWO YOUTHS IN A JOURNEY TO JAPAN AND CHINA.

Illustrated, 8vo, Cloth, $3.00.

* * * * *

A more attractive book for boys and girls can scarcely be imagined.--_N. Y. Times._

The best thing for a boy who cannot go to China and Japan is to get this book and read it.--_Philadelphia Ledger._

Juvenile literature seems to have come to a climax in this book. In literary quality and in material form it is a decided improvement on anything of the kind ever before produced in America.--_N. Y. Journal of Commerce._

One of the richest and most entertaining books for young people, both in text, illustrations, and binding, which has ever come to our table.--_Providence Press._

* * * * *

Published by HARPER & BROTHERS, N. Y.

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

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.

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_.

_The Fairy Books._

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=THE PRINCESS IDLEWAYS.= By Mrs. W. J. HAYS. Illustrated. 16mo, Cloth, 75 cents.

* * * * *

=THE CATSKILL FAIRIES.= By VIRGINIA W. JOHNSON. 8vo, Illuminated Cloth, Gilt Edges, $3.00.

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=FAIRY BOOK ILLUSTRATED.= l6mo, Cloth, $1.50.

* * * * *

=PUSS-CAT MEW=, and other New Fairy Stories for my Children. By E. H. KNATCHBULL-HUGESSEN, M.P. Illustrated. 12mo, Cloth, $1.25.

* * * * *

=FAIRY BOOK.= The Best Popular Fairy Stories selected and rendered anew. By the Author of "John Halifax." Illustrated. 12mo, Cloth, $1.25.

* * * * *

=FAIRY TALES.= By JEAN MACE. Translated by MARY L. BOOTH. Illustrated. 12mo, Bevelled Edges, $1.75; Gilt Edges, $2.25.

* * * * *

=FAIRY TALES OF ALL NATIONS.= By E. LABOULAYE. Translated by MARY L. BOOTH. Illustrated. 12mo, Cloth, Bevelled Edges, $2.00; Gilt Edges, $2.50.

* * * * *

=THE LITTLE LAME PRINCE.= By the Author of "John Halifax, Gentleman." Illustrated. Square 16mo, Cloth, $1.00.

* * * * *

=FOLKS AND FAIRIES.= Stories for Little Children. By LUCY CRANDALL COMFORT. Illustrated. Square 4to, Cloth, $1.00.

* * * * *

=THE ADVENTURE OF A BROWNIE=, as Told to my Child. By the Author of "John Halifax, Gentleman." Illustrated. Square 16mo, Cloth, 90 cents.

* * * * *

Published by HARPER & BROTHERS, New York.

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

"_A most enchanting story for boys._"

PITTSBURGH TELEGRAPH.

* * * * *

AN INVOLUNTARY VOYAGE.

By LUCIEN BIART, Author of "Adventures of a Young Naturalist."

TRANSLATED BY Mrs. CASHEL HOEY and Mr. JOHN LILLIE.

ILLUSTRATED. 12mo, Cloth, $1.25.

* * * * *

A very charming book, brimming full of adventures, and has not an uninteresting page between its covers.--_Baltimore Gazette._

A book that is at once novel and entertaining. * * * All the book is lively, and the voyagers have some adventures, the telling of which is as entertaining as any book of Jules Verne's, besides having nothing in them that is improbable or extravagant.--_Philadelphia Bulletin._

A most enchanting story for boys. * * * It is a story of adventure, and also contains much interesting and useful information.--_Pittsburgh Telegraph._

A narrative crowded with adventure, told in the lively and graphic style for which the French writers of books for boys are so noted.--_Cleveland Herald._

One of the most attractive books of the season. * * * Spirited sketches of travel and adventure on the ocean wave, among the islands and on southern coasts, fill these chapters. But the main point which gives them their highest flavor is the experience of naval warfare during our late civil conflict.--_Observer_, N. Y.

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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._

A BOOK FOR EVERYBODY.

* * * * *

Ninth Edition now Ready.

* * * * *

=HOW TO GET STRONG, AND HOW TO STAY SO.= By WILLIAM BLAIKIE. With Illustrations. 16mo, Cloth, $1.00.

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Your book is timely. Its large circulation cannot fail to be of great public benefit.--Rev. HENRY WARD BEECHER.

It is a book of extraordinary merit in matter and style, and does you great credit as a thinker and writer.--Hon. CALVIN E. PRATT, _of the New York Supreme Bench_.

A capital little treatise. It is the very book for ministers to study.--Rev. THEODORE L. CUYLER, D.D., _in New York Evangelist_.

It is unquestionably one of the most practical and useful books on this topic which have ever been published in this country.--_N. Y. Evening Express._

We know of no man in America more capable of writing such a book, or who has a better right to do so.--_Rutland Daily Herald and Globe._

It will pay any person--whether a farmer or lawyer, laborer or idler, school-girl or housewife--to buy and read it, and follow its teachings.--_Springfield Union._

A veritable treasury of muscular common-sense.--_Charleston News and Courier._

* * * * *

Published by HARPER & BROTHERS, New York.

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

ART MANUFACTURES.

A great many things can be made out of other things. A very fair turkey can be made out of a horse-chestnut, or even a common chestnut.

Look at Fig. 1 in the above picture: there you have the turkey complete. I will tell you how I made him. I first took a nice round chestnut, and stuck into it a bent pin to represent the neck; then I stuck in two other pins to represent the legs; then I took a piece of putty (dough, or bread worked up to the consistence of dough, will do), and made a stand into which I stuck the legs. He then looked as he is represented in Fig. 2. I then took a small piece of putty, and modelled on to the bent pin the head and neck of the turkey. After this I drew with pen and ink on thick paper, and cut with a pair of scissors, a thing like Fig. 3, and two things like Fig. 4; these were the tail and wings. I fastened them in their proper places with thick gum (short pins will do). Then with some red paint I painted the head and feet of the bird, and I had a very excellent turkey, but I felt thankful that I need not eat it for my dinner.

Figs. 5 and 6 show how a walnut shell may be changed into a turtle shell. Fig. 5 is the walnut shell, and Fig. 6 is the turtle; and I would not give a fig for the boy who, with a pen and ink and a little putty (dough will do), is not smart enough to make it.

Johnny and Mary drive out in the Park, And doubtless are having no end of a lark; She holds Baby Rose with a motherly air, And he handles his spirited horse with great care.

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=Spiders that Kill Birds.=--Everybody knows that spiders catch flies and other insects; but that some of them kill little birds may not be so generally known. A traveller in Brazil tells us that he caught one of them in the very act, while going through a forest in the Amazons. The spider was a hairy fellow, with a body two inches long, and eight legs measuring seven inches each, from end to end. The writer describing the incident says: "I was attracted by a movement of the monster on a tree trunk; it was close beneath a deep crevice in the tree, across which was stretched a dense white web. The lower part of the web was broken, and two small birds, finches, were entangled in the pieces. One of them was quite dead, and the other nearly so. I drove away the monster, and took the birds, but the second one soon died. The fact of species of Mygale, to which genus this spider belongs, sallying forth at night, mounting trees, and sucking the eggs and young of hummingbirds, has been recorded long ago by Madame Merian and Palisot de Beauvois; but, in the absence of any confirmation, it has come to be discredited. From the way the fact has been related it would appear that it had been merely derived from the report of natives, and had not been witnessed by the narrators. The Mygales are quite common insects: some species make their cells under stones, others form artistical tunnels in the earth, and some build their dens in the thatch of houses. The natives call them Aranhas carangueijeiras, or crab-spiders. The hairs with which they are clothed come off when touched, and cause a peculiar and almost maddening irritation. The first specimen that I killed and prepared was handled incautiously, and I suffered terribly for three days afterward. I think this is not owing to any poisonous quality residing in the hairs, but to their being short and hard, and thus getting into the fine creases of the skin. Some Mygales are of immense size. One day I saw the children belonging to an Indian family with one of these monsters secured by a cord round its waist, by which they were leading it about the house as they would a dog."

GETTING A HITCH.

Cut, cut behind! The faster old Dobbin goes, the lighter grows his load.

ASSURANCE.

"Strike out, Nuncky; Sis and I will hold you up."

End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Young People, January 20, 1880, by Various