CHAPTER III.

I suppose it was the excitement of the performance which, a little later, roused me to some enjoyment of the evening. We had a merry tea party in our costumes before the play began, and when it came my turn to appear, I found employment enough for all my senses. I must own to no small discomfiture when I found myself upon the stage. I had expected to make quite a success, but the crowd of faces, the lights, the consciousness of being listened to, perhaps the guilty burden on my heart and soul, confused me. I spoke and acted very badly, and tears of vexation were in my eyes when I left the stage.

"Don't be so frightened, Ruth," Mr. Ludlow whispered. "It really is of no _great_ consequence what people think of it, you know."

So the play continued. The great success of the evening was Kate's, and it was due to her playing a part which all the audience knew was like her own: a loving, unselfish, charitable woman, whose part it was to bring about a happy ending to the little play. Kate had thought so little of herself and her own part in the play that she seemed surprised and confused by the applause and congratulations. Everybody was in good spirits when we went down to supper, and all had so much to say to each other about the play that for a few moments I felt somewhat neglected. I stood near a window in the supper-room, concealed from view by heavy curtains, and now that the play was over, I realized fully the wickedness of the thing I had done. As I stood there, bitterly regretting that I had not obeyed my father's instructions, I could not help overhearing a portion of a conversation that was held just outside the heavy draperies behind which I stood. A lady's voice, that was at first unfamiliar to me, said, "Yes, she has wonderfully fine qualities, but she is eaten up with selfishness. I think it such a dreadful shame. Why, all C---- talks of the way Winifred is sacrificed to her."

"I can not believe she is naturally so selfish," the other voice said, and I recognized it as Mr. Ludlow's. "It is true, she never seems to consider any one but herself, but I think it is the fault of her education."

"But," persisted the other voice, which I now remembered was that of Mrs. Judson's sister--a lady who lived in New York, and was a great friend of Cousin Mary's--"but you don't know the life poor Winny leads, so shut up, hard-worked with those children, never given any sort of amusement, while Ruth grasps everything; and now I hear that Winifred is very ill...."

More was said, but I lost the words. The lady moved away; Mr. Ludlow remained standing by the table. I could hear the music in the distance, and the sounds of laughter and merry-making jarred upon me painfully. Finally I thrust back the curtains, and stood before Mr. Ludlow, the tears streaming down my cheeks.

"Oh, Mr. Ludlow," I exclaimed, brokenly, "it is all true; I am just that--a miserable, selfish girl." And flinging myself into a chair, I put my head down upon the table, giving way to a fresh burst of tears.

Mr. Ludlow did not speak for a moment; he let me weep silently. Then I felt his hand on my head.

"I am not sorry you overheard us, Ruthie," he said, in his kindest voice. "Perhaps, dear child, this was the lesson you needed."

I shook my head, and sobbed freshly. "Oh, but you don't know all!" I exclaimed. "I have been so bad! I am not only selfish, but a liar."

He started, but his hand on my head only moved slightly; then its gentle pressure was renewed, and he said, quietly, "Tell me all about it, Ruth. Stop; come up stairs to my own sitting-room. You can talk quietly there."

I followed him gladly enough. Mr. Ludlow's little den was a very sacred place to all of us. There we knew that he read and wrote and studied. I had only seen the room once from the doorway. I did not remember what I now noticed, with a start, that above the mantel hung an exquisite crayon of Hunt's "Light of the World." There were candles lighted on either side of it, and their gleam touched the Divine face tenderly. I never forgot just that moment. I needed so to feel His mercy, and here I seemed to read it, with love and compassion as well. Mr. Ludlow made me sit down, and I told my story, and then I wrung my hands, and asked, miserably, what was I to do. He was very grave and earnest and kind, and said words which I yet hold as counsels for daily life; but he took the case into his own hands kindly. Of course, he said, I must go home at once. He asked me if he might call Kate up stairs, and counsel with her. I assented gladly, and I think he told Kate all about it before she came into the room, for she had her advice all ready. She said that I could go home by an early morning train, and leave her to explain my sudden departure to the girls. "And another time, Ruthie," she said, "you will come and have a longer visit." She said very little of my fault; but late that night, after all the merry-making was over, she came and knelt beside me, and we prayed a little together. After all, that miserable day had held moments which were to be life-long influences. It was arranged that Mr. Ludlow should take me home, and after a few hours' sleep, Kate wakened me. I went down in the early morning to a little breakfast, and then started off with my kind friend. I never shall forget that journey. My heart beat with nervous apprehension as we neared home. Mr. Ludlow had telegraphed ahead, and the boy with papa's gig was waiting. In answer to my inquiries, he said Miss Winny was very ill, and at the house door papa's face confirmed my fears.

Shall I ever forget my feelings as I entered Winny's room, and saw her lying on her bed, so changed that she turned nearly sightless eyes upon me. Oh, how I hated myself for all the trouble I had given her! Days and nights passed as though in a dream, and through God's mercy Winny lived, but never to be very strong and well, never to entirely resume her old place at our head. Kate Ludlow came up and nursed her through those many weeks. She taught me many things to do, and contrived to place a great deal in my hands.

I think it was a year later, when Winny had gone off to the country with the Ludlows, that I received a package from Mr. Ludlow containing an engraving like the one in his room. With it were the following lines:

"DEAR RUTH,--Will you keep this from me in remembrance of last year, and as a sign that I _believe_ you will keep your high resolves? When I bring Winny home, I shall have something to tell you."

And so he had. A week later he and Winny arrived, and almost the first thing she did was to put her arms about me and tell me the news. She was engaged to be married to my kind friend.

* * * * *

Aunt Ruth paused in her story. Evening had come on while she finished it, and the room was too dark for us to see her face.

"And so she married him?" I asked.

"Yes, dear," said Aunt Ruth, "and you all know what happiness she has had. So you see my temptation ended in Winny's peace."

We were silent a moment, and then Aunt Ruth said: "My story ought to help all of you a little, girls, one way or another. Try, resolve, and you can all conquer."

THE END.

COOKING CLUBS.

This is a fac-simile of a dainty note that I received one afternoon last month. As I looked at the wee, plump cook, in her cap and apron, tossing a ball in a frying-pan in the upper corner of the invitation, and the tiny cook merrily footing a jig in the lower corner, and then spied along the bottom the guests and musicians running for the special midnight train, I wondered whether these little Jersey maids were going to prepare us a wonderful supper, dance while it was baking, boiling, and cooling, invite us to partake of it, and then vanish, leaving us to scurry home like belated fairies fearing the dawn.

A few days afterward I was being borne rapidly along toward Morristown in the train, now flying past loveliest stretches of woodland, catching glimpses of brown pools and flashes of silver brooks, and anon past meadows golden with buttercups, and fields snowed under by daisies: and was there ever so pretty a sight?

Yes, in the dressing-room of the hall where the five-and-forty "young maidens," white capped and robed like daisies--or, no, they made me think of doves--were cooing and preening their white feathers--beg pardon, their white ribbons--for their ball: _that_ was a prettier sight.

Among the hundreds of pretty girls who attended the ball we knew our cooking maidens by their caps, and a sign, for each one wore a tiny griddle or a frying-pan or a toasting-fork fastened to her dress, and besides that a great ball of red and white roses hanging from her belt.

This was their first ball, and how do you think the young maiden cooks trimmed their ball-room? With bunches of roses and radishes, leeks and lilies, and all sorts of homely herbs twisted and twined around pots and kettles, griddles and saucepans, all full-sized, and shining new from the tin shops. Now don't laugh: it was very pretty and proper too that these utensils should be raised to their ancient dignity. Why, once upon a time, very long ago, of course, cooking utensils were made of bronze and silver and gold, and Kings and Queens delighted to cook their own meals, and professional cooks rode in carriages, as I hope these young cooks may--or do.

What I wish to tell is how this association originated, and something about other cooking clubs. Well, about five years ago, a dozen school-girls put their wise young heads together for a grave consultation. I will not tell you what solemn things were said on this occasion, but they decided that it was the duty of every girl to know how to cook, especially such things as ├ęclairs, puffs, tarts, and jellies, so necessary to the happiness of every well-ordered household; and also, because learning to peel potatoes, prepare vegetables and meats, and to dress salads--all important things, too, in a household--would, be very dull and dry work, it was moved and carried that, after eating supper, they should always have music, dancing, charades, or tableaux to cheer them up.

The first meeting was held at the home of one of their number; the lady of the house and Dinah the cook amiably giving up the kitchen and the dining-room, with their treasures, for the purpose.

It was a pleasant sight to see a dozen young girls in snowy caps and aprons, note-book and pencil in hand, with a grave expression on their rosy countenances as they seated themselves to listen to their acknowledged leader, who was to announce the orders of the day.

I am not going to tell you much about their disappointments. I will only say they were determined to master one of the most important duties in life for girls--so they all said. At first too many girls would "put their fingers in the pie" at a time, so to speak; consequently the "meringues" would not froth properly, the "croquettes" would fall apart, and the biscuits resemble dough.

But they had the dancing to encourage them, added to the thought of duty; so they persevered, until at last one might peep into one of the loveliest dining-rooms, now their head-quarters, and really feel tempted by the goodly array of dishes.

The head cook not long since declared to me that she could peel potatoes, prepare vegetables and salads, and--But there, I can not give a list of all her culinary accomplishments; it would be too long.

From a small club of school-girls the affair has assumed the dignity of an association numbering nearly fifty young ladies. But what has all this to do with the ball? you may ask.

The ball was the crowning event of the association's long existence of five years; in fact, it was a sort of culinary Commencement, and the graduates now commence life as Maidens of Arts--culinary arts, of course.

They have made their courtesy to the world, and now retire. Early in September or October a new Maidens' Association will spring up; but, as these dignified ladies of eighteen patronizingly declare, they will only be little girls--beginners. What a wonderful advantage it is to be so elderly and dignified!

Similar societies exist in various parts of the country: among others may be mentioned the Boston Saturday Morning Cooking Club, which has won considerable fame by its culinary exploits; the Young Maidens' Cooking Association of Savannah, Georgia; the Philadelphia Cooking Club; the New York; and a number in the West.

Indeed, wherever those famous lady cooks Miss Juliet Corson, Miss Parloa, and Miss Dodds have travelled, giving their interesting lectures, cooking clubs have sprung up like flowers in their wake.

I wonder, with all their knowledge, whether any of these coming cooks will ever equal that famous Roman master of his art who could serve at table a whole pig, one-half of which was boiled, and the other roasted, and stuffed with spiced birds, eggs, and delicious nuts?

WOODSIDE, NEAR LINCOLNTON, NORTH CAROLINA.

I have been thinking that some of the readers of YOUNG PEOPLE would like to hear about Uncle Pete, and perhaps to help my sister M---- and myself in the little school which we began with Pete's eight children for the first pupils. Four years ago we moved back to the old farm which had been my father's. The place is now worked by tenants. One of them is a colored man, who was once our slave, and has never left us a single day. He used to be a good servant, and in the years since he has been free he is still the same honest, faithful man. In the sickness and troubles we have had he has been the kindest of friends, always doing everything he can for us. When we came back we found a great deal to do, and many things very much run down, and Uncle Pete was our best helper. There is no school here for colored children to attend, so we asked him to send his little flock to us on Sunday afternoons. The little things came gladly, and learned so well that we told them they might invite any other children who wished to learn to come with them. In a month our school numbered twenty-seven pupils. Among them they have only six ABC primers, and two New Testaments. They are very anxious to learn to read and write.

If we had the money, we would like to build a little school-house, where M---- would teach these little folks three times a week, except in the season when they are busy in the cotton field, and every Sunday as well. We could then take a great many more, who are now sent away for want of room. We will gladly give the land, all the timber needed, and the use of our wagon and team, and Pete with the other fathers will give labor; but some money is necessary too, and we have none. We would now be very glad to receive books, even old and worn ones, reward cards, papers, and slates, as well as copies of the Testament. If we had a small instrument, M----would teach them to sing.

Any gifts of money or books which may be sent to me will be acknowledged promptly and thankfully. Who wants to help Pete's little Ida, and her friends?

MRS. ALICE RICHARDSON.

We have no doubt that many of you will look about the house to see what school-books and cards you have finished using, and what story-books and Testaments you can send to these ladies, who are trying to make the little dark-eyed children on the farm happier and better. Very likely some of you will deny yourselves a treat of some kind, or save money from candies or toys, that you may lend a hand to Uncle Pete in building a little school-house. And if some of you help to buy the little cabinet organ, why, if you listen very hard, you may hear the sweet voices singing, if not with your ears, in your hearts.

* * * * *

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA.

I was seven years old on Christmas-day. I can not write well yet, but mamma is writing this for me. I have two sisters, Isabel and Constance, and I have three cousins here, so that we have great fun when we play together. We have drives very often out on the lovely green prairies. Mamma reads us the stories in YOUNG PEOPLE, and we are so delighted with them all. We were very sorry when Mr. Stubbs died, and my sister and I hope Toby got some other pet in his place. I go to school every day. We had games in the Park on the 24th of May. Papa and mamma took us to see them. The funniest was the fat man's race.

ETHEL WYNNE.

* * * * *

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA.

Last fall papa bought a pig, which we called Mattie. This spring she had eight little pigs, and they all died but one. Mattie was sick, and could not take care of it, so we kept it up stairs, and fed it from a bottle. One night it got out of its basket, and ran all over the room, squealing, until I got up and gave it some milk. I put it in the basket, covered it up with its blanket, and thought it would stay there for the rest of the night; but I had hardly crept into bed, and was just falling asleep, when I heard it squealing again. I said to my sister, "I believe that pig is out again"; and so he was. He did not want to go back in the basket, and we had a great deal of trouble. Mamma and papa both had to get up to feed him before morning.

HARRIET S.

P.S.--The above letter has been lying some time in one of my books, but I think I will send it. After I wrote it the pig died, and we buried him in the garden.

* * * * *

BEDFORD STATION, WESTCHESTER CO., N. Y., _June_ 17, 1881.

Will some of the readers of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE help me to obtain (alive) some of the caterpillars of the Cecropia, Polypheme, Luna, and Promethea moths? They are found from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.

The eggs of the first of these are found in the Southern States in May, and in the Northern States in June, are kidney-shaped and white, and are found on the leaves of apple, cherry, and wild plum trees. The caterpillar measures from three to four inches in length, is light green, with _red warts_ or knobs with black hairs on them. It is about the size of a woman's middle finger.

The caterpillar of the second variety is found on oak, elm, and lime trees in July and August. Its body is blue-green, with orange and purple warts, its head and feet black.

The caterpillar of the third variety is much like the second, but is found on walnut and hickory trees.

The caterpillar of the fourth variety feeds on sassafras-trees. It is large, like the others, bluish-green, except the head, feet, and tail, which are yellow. There are sometimes small wart-like spots on it, either red or blue.

I want the cocoons, the caterpillars, and the eggs. The caterpillars can be sent safely by mail, I think, in a perforated box, with some of the proper leaves inclosed with them, unless the distance is too great.

MRS. L. LUQUER.

* * * * *

HAVANA, ILLINOIS.

We had an evergreen bell for Christmas, and this spring we hung it out in the porch, when some little birds came, made a nest in it, laid eggs, and hatched out little birds. We could stand in the porch and watch the mother bird bring worms to feed her little ones. I am six years old.

JEWELL A.

They were "cute" little birds, to choose so cozy a place for housekeeping.

* * * * *

BRIDGETON, NEW JERSEY.

I have just the sweetest little sister, who likes me to play on the piano while she runs around in a circle or dances. But she will dance to only one tune, and if I play any other she sits down on the corner of the sofa, and waits for me to get through.

HATTIE L. S.

* * * * *

MARYSVILLE, CALIFORNIA.

I am eleven years old, and my brother and I take YOUNG PEOPLE, and like it very much. I think Jimmy Brown is a very funny boy. I liked "Susie Kingman's Decision" and "Mildred's Bargain" very much. Please, Mr. Harper, tell Jimmy Brown to relate another of his sad experiences soon.

ANNIE B.

* * * * *

PUEBLO, COLORADO.

My brothers and sisters and I like to read YOUNG PEOPLE. I think Jimmy Brown's monkey must have been a remarkable one.

ROBERT C. W.

* * * * *

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

My sister and I take YOUNG PEOPLE, and we like it very much. At school one Friday two girls, my sister and myself, read "Susie Kingman's Decision," and our teacher thought it very good. We began YOUNG PEOPLE with No. 31, but as my cousin had all the numbers from the first, I read the stories in them. We have made out many of the puzzles, but have never sent any. I enjoy the letters in the Post-office Box.

E. and L. B.

* * * * *

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI.

I can hardly wait till my grandma, who lives in Titusville, Pennsylvania, sends me my YOUNG PEOPLE. I am nine years old, and my sister Mattie is seven. We have a darling little canary-bird. It can sing very sweetly. We have taught it to eat from our mouths. Its name is Billy. We think a great deal of our pet.

CLINTIE B.

* * * * *

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

I have taken YOUNG PEOPLE ever since the paper was published, and I can hardly wait for Tuesday morning to come I am so anxious to get it. I think that "Toby Tyler" and the "Daisy Cot" are the prettiest of all the stories. Next week I am going to the country to spend the summer at my grandpa's, and I expect to have a very nice time there. They have horses and cows and chickens and guinea-fowls. I go down to the pasture lot every evening, and the cows come to me and I feed them.

Last winter I went to school for the first time. I studied quite hard, and I took the second prize. It was a dear little silver fan.

I am almost eight years old, and I hope to take YOUNG PEOPLE until I grow to be a woman.

JENNIE P. M.

* * * * *

CINCINNATI, OHIO.

I am eleven years old. I have been confined to my bed five weeks to-day. I was out hunting, and was climbing over a fence, and as I was handing the gun over, it slipped out of my hands, and off went Mister Gun! It made a hole in my leg, and one in my arm. It was a pinfire gun. I hope the boys who read this will not handle guns or pistols until they are old enough to take care of them. I will not be able to walk, even with a crutch, for six weeks. I do not know what I would do without HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE. "The Cruise of the 'Ghost'" is splendid. I liked "Toby Tyler." I am making a collection of shells, coins, and stamps. We have four little kittens, and my sister calls the mother cat Mamma Lillie or Muver Lillie.

My father and mother carried me to the window this morning at three o'clock, and I saw the comet.

J. T. M.

We too hope that the boys who read this letter will heed its warning, and let fire-arms, and even toy pistols, alone. They are dangerous playthings. Boys who go on hunting excursions should be accompanied by their fathers or elder brothers; but while we do not condemn hunting altogether, we think there are many safer ways of finding out-door pleasures, without taking the lives of innocent animals, or periling your own.

* * * * *

SEABRIGHT, NEW JERSEY.

Before the idea was mentioned in YOUNG PEOPLE a society had been started in New York to collect all sorts of things, such as preserved sea-weed, dried grass, iron, gold, and other ores--in fact, everything except postage stamps. We hold meetings in the fall, at which all the collections are placed in the society's cabinet, to be lent for a while. I am the secretary, and will be happy to give full particulars to any one who may write to me inclosing a three-cent stamp. No girls are admitted, nor any persons residing out of New York State for over three months at a time.

JOHN R. BLAKE, Secretary N. Y. Chapter C, Agassiz Association.

Although you appear to have anticipated our Young People's Natural History Society, we will be pleased to have you become a branch of it, if you wish to do so. Your rule with regard to girls seems to us rather arbitrary. Girls make good working members of such societies, and their presence adds much animation to the meetings.

* * * * *

It may perhaps be interesting for your readers to know with how much pleasure HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE is welcomed in far-away countries such as Holland, and how even a Dutch girl is interested in its pretty stories and engravings. I await its arrival as eagerly as any American boy or girl, and the Post-office Box is one of its greatest attractions. Perhaps some of your readers would like to have photographs representing views from Holland. I will send them in exchange for any American pictures. If correspondents have a special desire for views from particular places of Holland, they will please state it in their letters, and I will try to satisfy their demands.

E. MOLEWATER, Villa Duna, Scheveningen, Holland.

* * * * *

The following exchanges are offered by correspondents:

Postmarks from Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, for postmarks from any other State, or for Indian relics.

EUGENE HUNTER, Wauseon, Ohio.

* * * * *

Indian arrow-heads, lead ore, and mica, for half-cents and large copper cents of all dates.

W. F. WOOLARD, Fairfield, Ill.

* * * * *

Specimen of rock and earth from the State of Ohio, for the same from any other State.

CALVIN K. RIERNAN, Care of B. F. Seigley, Melmore, Ohio.

* * * * *

Stamps, for same.

GEORGE S. MEREDITH, Oakland, Cal.

* * * * *

Periwinkles, small mussel shells, and petrifications, for foreign stamps.

FRANK STIVERS, Liberty, Union Co., Ind.

* * * * *

Indian tomahawks, for curiosities of any kind. No foreign stamps wanted.

DELLIE H. PORTER, Russellville, Logan Co., Ky.

* * * * *

Soil from New Jersey, for minerals, fossils, or anything good for a museum.

ASHBEL GREEN, JUN., Box 62, Englewood, N. J.

* * * * *

Sixteen foreign postage stamps, for silver or gold ore.

F. MEHL, 1527 Mount Vernon St., Philadelphia, Penn.

* * * * *

Stamps, postmarks, butterflies, or moss, for sea-shells, or any curiosity suitable for a museum.

FRANK FORD, Middlefield, Geauga Co., Ohio.

* * * * *

Belgian and French, for stamps from Russia, Norway, Turkey, Sweden, Italy, Spain, and Greece. No duplicates.

ARNOLD LAYMAN, 411 South Fourth St., Terre Haute, Ind.

* * * * *

Two good books, for a young spaniel puppy.

MOSS P. FULLER, Plattsburg, Clinton Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

Cryolite from Greenland, pure limestone from Crystal Cave, Bucks Co., Penn., stamps, postmarks, and coins, for Indian relics, curiosities of all kinds, and old United States cents and half-cents.

FRANK H. EARP, 1825 Green St., Philadelphia, Penn.

* * * * *

I will give the following collection of minerals for a good Indian bow and arrows, or for a foot-power scroll-saw, or a good printing-press: Agates (carnelian), agates (moss), asbestos, chalcedony, claystone (concretions), copper ore, copper pyrites, cryolite, crystals (quartz), feldspar, flint, fossil wood, fluor-spar, galena, gypsum, granite, garnet, Iceland-spar, Mammoth Cave (formations), marble, mica (quartz), pebble, satin-spar, shale-fused rock (rare), jasperized wood, sandstone formations, iron pyrites, petrified moss; also six shells from Sandwich Islands, three shells from Feejee Islands, four shells from Bermuda Islands, six petrified shells, a trilobite, a piece of mussel chalk (Austria), and some other curiosities. Correspondents please write before sending anything.

C. H. LEADBETTER, JUN., Box 787, Hamilton, Ohio.

* * * * *

Quartz crystals, iron ore, and flint, for sea curiosities, or stamps from Iceland, Greenland, any country in Africa except Egypt, Argentine Republic, and Central America.

CHARLES LANSING, Plattsburg, Clinton Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

Offers invited for a pair of base-ball shoes, size No. 6, very little worn.

THATCHER T. P. LUQUER, Bedford Station, Westchester Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

Stamps from Asia, Africa, South America, Gold Coast, Gambia, Mexico, etc., also Chinese coins, copper ore, beautiful art cards, and cards with my name, for department stamps, or any besides European; foreign coins, good ocean curiosities, or cards, in any even exchange. Indian arrow-heads for twelve stamps, or anything named above.

LOCK BOX 88, Little Falls, N. Y.

* * * * *

Two-cent blue and red United States internal revenue stamps, for foreign stamps and curiosities. Correspondents will please send postal, stating what they have to exchange, and the number of stamps they wish. If the exchange is agreeable, we will forward ours immediately.

H. SOPER and G. HARMAN, Room 35, 16 Court St., Brooklyn, N. Y.

* * * * *

Thirty foreign stamps, for five pieces of Indian or Mound Builders' pottery--good specimens.

Box 35, Atwater, Ohio.

* * * * *

Soil from Pennsylvania and water from the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, for soil and water from any other State and river.

KATIE E. SMITH, 2130 Sharswood St., Philadelphia, Penn.

* * * * *

Sand from Lake Ontario, for different sorts of woods. An ounce for each kind.

ROBERT BEACH, Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

Three hundred postmarks, all different, for one good font of type weighing not less than two pounds.

R. F. SHEDDAN, Craigsville, Orange Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

Stamps or postmarks, for stamps. Those from Mexico, Cuba, Peru, and Iceland especially desired.

HARRY W. DENISON, Godfrey, Madison Co., Ill.

* * * * *

Ten postmarks, for the 7 or 90 cent stamp of any United States department except the Interior; or stamps, for stamps; and stamps, for curiosities. No duplicates.

JOHN R. BLAKE, Peninsula House, Seabright, N. J.

* * * * *

One of Scott's stamp albums, containing one hundred and forty rare stamps, some unused, for a pair of roller skates, in good condition, or a miniature yacht or schooner not less than twenty-two inches long, with a mast and bowsprit.

CHARLES E. DEVELIN, 2039 Camac St., Philadelphia, Penn.

* * * * *

Stuffed humming-birds, for good specimens of gold, silver, zinc, tin, lead, and copper ore, or petrified ferns, Indian pottery, amethysts, stalactites, and stalagmites. Please write and arrange exchange first.

GEORGE L. OSGOOD, JUN., 2 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, Mass.

* * * * *

Shells, pebbles, and coral from the Atlantic Ocean, for foreign stamps; or stamps, for stamps.

FRED HOUSTON, Monmouth Beach, Atlanticville P. O., N. J.

* * * * *

One setting of pure breed golden Polish hens' eggs, for stamps.

P. O. Box 258, Gouverneur, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

Pressed ferns, for foreign stamps.

ETTA MILLER, Westport, Mendocino Co., Cal.

* * * * *

Ocean shells, for flower seeds or foreign stamps. A specimen of copper ore, for foreign stamps.

W. D. MILLER, Westport, Mendocino Co., Cal.

* * * * *

A piece of petrified wood, a piece of flint, and spear and arrow heads, for foreign stamps.

RALPH CLAY, Jamestown, Va.

* * * * *

A stamp from Bavaria, Austria, Germany, France, England, Italy, Belgium, or Canada, for the same from Turkey, Brazil, Mexico, Greece, Spain, Cuba, Egypt, or Russia.

NOAH T. COLEMAN, Cor. Gifford and Niagara Sts., Syracuse, N. Y.

* * * * *

Old issues of United States stamps especially desired for a triangular Cape Colony or an 8-cent registered Canada stamp; five stamps of Italy, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Bavaria, or a Luxemburg and four other kinds, for any South American stamp.

FRED H. WILSON, P. O. Box 1975, Joliet, Illinois.

[_For other exchanges, see third page of cover._]

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Until September 1, exchangers will address A. Eddie Conover to the care of Mrs. Brainerd, Harrison, Westchester Co., N. Y.

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Annie C. Smith, Binghamton, N. Y., and Harry C., Bergen Point, N. J., withdraw their names from our exchange list.

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ADELE R.--Read answer to N. B. A. S.

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MARY H.--Write again to Susie F., who perhaps failed to receive your letter. Tell her what you have told us, and ask her to explain her delay.

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MARY S.--We felt very sad when we read in your letter that your dear sisters Helen and Sophie Scouller had both been taken away by death. Your home must be very lonely without them. You will always love the paper for little Helen's sake, and it is a very sweet thought of your mamma to go on taking it in her name, so that whenever it comes you will be "reminded of dear little Helen in heaven."

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Joseph W. Hawkins died suddenly on June 20. His brother requests that no more letters be sent to his address on the exchange list.

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LOTTIE G. N.--CENTIPEDS AND TARANTULAS.--The tarantula, or wolf-spider, is a hunter, running over the ground with great swiftness. It makes no web, but hides in holes in the earth, and in crevices, which it lines with its silk. Its poison is active, but it confines its ravages to insects on which it preys, and seldom attacks man. This poor spider has been very much maligned.--Centipeds inhabit the tropics. They are yellow, brown, or rusty red, and are extremely venomous. They are often the length of a man's little finger, but are flattened like tape. They bite by means of a strong forceps placed horizontally at their mouth, nearly as large as the hooked thorns on a blackberry bramble, causing fever, pain, and inflammation. They creep into gloves and pipes, and are a source of great annoyance to people in India. The English centiped is something like a glow-worm, emitting a phosphorescent light. These creatures possess from fifty-one to fifty-five pairs of legs.

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"ADMIRING FRIEND."--John G. Whittier resides in Amesbury, Mass.; Thomas Nast, in Morristown, N. J.; John G. Saxe, in Brooklyn, N. Y.; and Mrs. Dinah Mulock Craik, in London, Eng.

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L. G. C.--It would be a very difficult thing, and almost an impossibility, for a boy to build a boat like the _Whitewing_.

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E. A. A.--Full directions for making a canvas canoe were given in HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE No. 26, Vol. I.

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N. B. A. S.--Perhaps your tardy correspondent is waiting to receive a new supply of the articles he has offered in exchange. We can only advise you to be patient, and if you do not hear from him soon, to write again, requesting the favor of a reply at least, and the return of your own articles, if he can not fulfill his part of the contract. We believe the invention of which you inquire has not been put to any practical use.

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ROBERT.--You can get a very good nickel-case watch at a price varying from $6 to $10.

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H. S. P.--The _Boys' Illustrated News_, London, Eng., is edited by Captain Mayne Reid. A reply to your other question was given in Post-office Box No. 88.

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M. D.--The address you request is 113 West Fifty-sixth Street, New York city.

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J. S., R. C., AND OTHERS.--Your best course would be to write for the information you desire, to the Superintendent of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., inclosing a stamped envelope for his reply. Appointments to the Naval Academy are made by members of Congress for their respective districts.

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YOUNG TRAPPER.--We think it would be a pity to make war on the sparrows, which are no doubt pugnacious, but which were brought to our country for a good purpose. Before they came, our city streets were in the summer a terror to ladies by reason of the worms which fell from the trees at every step. In Central Park orioles and robins hold their own, without trouble from the sparrows. Please give up your idea of a snare. The _Taxidermist's Manual_, published by the American News Company, New York, will tell you all about stuffing birds, etc. Price $1.

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Correct answers to puzzles have been received from _John and Alice Southworth_, T. M. Armstrong, "School-Boy," "Phil I. Pene," Thaddeus Kosciosko, T. M. Armstrong, "D. E. Cember," J. W. and D. A. Slattery, Bessie H. Moore, A. E. Hance, _Jesse D. Burns_, "Damon and Pythias," J. J. Bellman, Frank Lomas, and Ella Hosford.

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PUZZLES FROM YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS.

No. 1.

CHARADE.

My first in obstinate silence stands, With never a word to say. My second clamors on sea or land Many a time in the day. My whole, dear fellows, will make you strong, Unless you play with it quite too long.

DICK.

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No. 2.

BEHEADINGS.

1. Behead a time-piece, and leave something by which treasures are protected. 2. Behead a prickly redness, and leave a graceful tree. 3. Behead a preposition, and leave a letter of the alphabet. 4. Behead a rheumatic affection, and leave a pile of hay. 5. Behead a brave champion, and leave a period of darkness. 6. Behead a hard and valuable wood, and leave a quality which belongs to a delicious fish. 7. Behead a snare, and leave a knock. With the beheaded letters form the name of a cheery little visitor and a nice rest for the feet.

C. S. R.

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No. 3.

HALF-SQUARE--(_To Bolus_).

1. A precious metal. 2. Conception of a thing. 3. A fast. 4. A cistern. 5. A suffix. 6. A letter of the alphabet.

DAMON AND PYTHIAS.

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No. 4.

NUMERICAL CHARADE.

I am something your readers are always waiting for, and I am composed of 18 letters. My 6, 2, 16 is to knock. My 1, 15, 10, 7, 5 is a habitation. My 4, 9, 17, 18 is a stick. My 12, 14, 11 is an abbreviation. My 13, 3, 8 is to peep.

H. K.

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No. 5.

ENIGMA.

In ale, but not in beer. In lord, but not in peer. In rain, but not in fall. In cellar, but not in hall. In flee, but not in fain. My whole is a maiden's name, 'tis plain.

J. D. B.

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No. 6.

WORD SQUARE.

My first is a wild animal. My second is repose. My third is the plural of a small venomous serpent. My fourth is peace.

VI O. LET.

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ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN No. 86

No. 1.

B R A I D M U S I C R U I N U N I T A I M S I P I N I T D C

No. 2.

C O N S O L E B E A R S O R B D P I G A G N E S I M P E A C H

No. 3.

Vacation.

No. 4.

1. Cathedral. 2. Thaddeus Kosciusko. 3. Carpathian. 4. Iguana.

HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE.

SINGLE COPIES, 4 cents; ONE SUBSCRIPTION, one year, $1.50; FIVE SUBSCRIPTIONS, one year, $7.00--_payable in advance, postage free_.

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.

MUD PIES.

BY MRS. MARGARET E. SANGSTER.

Sweetened with sugar, and sprinkled with spice, Apple turn-overs are really nice; But make-believe pies are a great deal more fun, When little cooks bake them out here in the sun.

With soft coaxing touches they mix up the dough-- Brown flour is said to be wholesome, you know; And if little fingers shall gather a stain, Why, water and soap will soon wash them again.

And after the wonderful baking is done-- The droll jolly baking out here in the sun-- The sweet little cooks will be happy to take, If somebody give it, a good slice of cake.

A PERSONATION: WHO AM I?

BY E. M.

The 16th of last December was the one-hundred-and-tenth anniversary of my birth, and though I have been dead more than fifty years, I think I am as much talked of now, if not more, than I was while living, and my works, instead of losing their hold on the attention of the public, seem to gain in favor. I was a born musician, and one whom now musicians delight to honor. My father and grandfather were musicians, and I, before I was four years old, had my daily hours of practice on the harpsichord. For some years my father was my teacher, but before I was eleven I had outgrown his teaching, and written some variations upon a march popular in those days; and by the time I was fifteen I had published three sonatas, and been appointed assistant organist at court. This office I held for a year or so, and then the Elector of Bonn, at whose court I was, sent me at his own expense to Vienna, there to study under Mozart. My mother's death soon called me back to Bonn, for I had two younger brothers, Caspar and Johann, to look after, and here I staid until 1792, when, having started Caspar as a music teacher and Johann in an apothecary's shop, I returned to Vienna, and never left it again for any length of time. I spent five happy years there, for I was a great favorite with the Viennese public, and my performances always excited attention. I studied with Haydn, and began to compose with rapidity, for my idea for musical compositions always outran my capacity for writing them out. I had, however, a secret sorrow, which is believed to have shown traces in my works, but for some time I managed to conceal it, being proud and disdaining pity, but at last, in 1800, when sick, I was forced to write to my doctor: "My hearing has gradually been becoming weaker for three years past. I pass a wretched existence. For the last two years I have almost entirely shunned society, because it is impossible to tell people I am deaf."

Alas! there was no help for me, and at last I was unable to hear any music. Still I continued to write, and gain fame if not fortune; but my misfortunes were not over, for at my brother Caspar's death in 1815, he left me guardian to his only son, and from then until my death his conduct, though I always loved and forgave him, was to me a constant source of anxiety.

At last, worn out with work, worry, and trouble, I fell sick in the fall of 1826, and though tenderly cared for by friends, died on the 26th of December, during a furious thunder-storm, a most unusual event at that season of the year, and my life ended with the storm. My funeral was on the 29th, and was attended by such numbers that soldiers had to be called to force a way from the house to the church, and though but a short distance, it took the procession one hour and a half to reach the church. After the ceremonies there, my body was carried to the cemetery outside the gates of Vienna. Near my grave lie Schubert and Clement, my friends in life.

In 1863 the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde of Vienna decided to take charge of my grave, it having been neglected. They have laid a flat stone over the spot, surrounded it with an iron railing, and the obelisk they raised bears on it a lyre and my name, and the grave is always to be tenderly cared for.

CHARADE.

My first is formed to charm the ear, My second to offend it; My whole contains what's very dear; All ladies will defend it.

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