CHAPTER II.

The final morning arrived at last, and as I drove away in papa's gig all the children crowded the gateway, and Winifred, in their midst, strained her eyes to see the last of me, and smile and wave a good-by.

Mrs. Ludlow's brother-in-law was to meet me at the station: he was on his way from Albany to New York, and had agreed to look out for me at C----, as the train passed through our town. The cars had hardly stopped, when a tall young man appeared on the platform, and was soon shaking hands with my father.

"I haven't seen you since you were a boy," my father said; "but I don't see that you have changed much. Now, Mr. Ludlow, will you take charge of my little girl?"

Mr. Ludlow declared himself well pleased to do so, and he was so genial and good-humored that I quickly got over the sudden shyness which had taken possession of me, and in half an hour I felt as if I had known him all my life. He seemed a little old, it is true; he was twenty-eight, and he had a dark, handsome face, with bright eyes and a merry laugh. I was perfectly astonished when I heard he was preparing to be a clergyman. I was soon chatting comfortably with him, and had told him all about our home and the boys, and Winny and my father, and how delighted I was to go to New York.

"And is Winny the housekeeper?" Mr. Ludlow asked. He knew that mamma was dead.

I started and laughed. "Why, she is our sister," I said. "But then," I added, "she does everything for us."

How well I remember our arrival! It was nearly dark, and the city confused me with its many sights and sounds, the endless streets, and lamps, and throngs of people. A carriage was waiting for us at the dépôt, and we drove through a great many streets, stopping finally before a big brick house with a low doorway, near Washington Square.

I had never been in New York before, and could not remember my one visit to Albany, so the fine town house, the long beautiful hall we entered, seemed to me like something I had read of or dreamed about. There was a great staircase winding away to the left, and down this Cousin Mary came hurrying, and I remembered having seen her at my mother's funeral--a sweet, gray-haired lady, with a faded pretty face, a great deal of old lace about her dress, and a quiet, friendly voice. Other voices sounded in a room near by; young voices laughing and talking; and Cousin Mary took me into a large beautiful room with fire-light dancing on the walls, and where half a dozen gay people were playing some merry game: they all stopped short as we entered.

"This is Ruth Grahame," said Cousin Mary; "your cousin from C----, Milly."

Upon this, Milly Ludlow came forward and welcomed me kindly. She was a tall girl about my own age; not so fashionably dressed as I had expected a New York cousin to be, but very lady-like and gentle in her manners. She soon introduced the others--Gray Roberts, Nelly and Jessie Price, and Jack Ludlow; they were all cousins, and all seemed delighted to see Mr. Ludlow, who was soon discussing the game with them, and entering into all the fun like a school-boy. What an evening that was! I was soon thoroughly at home, and very talkative, I assure you, for in our own house I had been encouraged to talk a great deal too much. I was to sleep with the Prices in a big room up stairs, and I was very much struck by their fine clothes and city-bred manners when we were dressing for the late dinner at which we were all to be present. The Prices were rather silly girls, but good-natured, and they seemed interested in all I had to say, though they criticised me very freely, and one said I must "friz" my hair, and the other asked if I wore French heels, and openly lamented the fact that I did not.

After dinner there was a most fascinating hour. Mr. Ludlow whispered to Milly, and then she came up to me in the parlor, saying that we were all to slip up to the attic, where they were rehearsing a little play intended for a surprise to Cousin Mary and Cousin Henry on their wedding anniversary. The elder sisters, Kate and Mary, were in it as well, and we found them in the attic, lighting it up, and putting away some of the costumes. That attic seemed to me a wonderful place: it extended over the entire house, and the roof was higher than in most attics, for it had been built with a view to being a play-room, long ago, when Kate and Mary Ludlow were small. At one end a temporary stage was erected, and preparations made for the curtains at either side and in front. All the final work was to be done the day before the performance. As soon as we were in the attic, Mr. Ludlow suggested that some part should be found for me. Kate Ludlow had written the play, and there was a part adapted specially for each person; but she very good-naturedly told her uncle (young as he was, he was her uncle) that she would insert something for me. I was fluttered with delight, and had sufficient confidence in myself to feel sure it would be an easy matter to perform with credit to all concerned. The story of the play was a domestic one. Kate introduced a part for me with Jessie Price--a dialogue between two friends of the heroine, rather artfully contrived to give me something to do, and at the same time work out the plot. Jessie acted very badly, so that my awkwardness showed the less, and I was rather well satisfied with the prospect, and wildly delighted by the idea of wearing one of Kate's longest silk gowns, and a white bonnet with a yellow bird in it.

We spent a merry enough hour in the attic, and were summoned there the next morning and evening. All this time the novelty of town life, the fascination of the theatricals, the talks with girls like the Prices, filled me with a sort of intoxication of delight. Sometimes I used to find Mr. Ludlow watching me very closely; sometimes I half fancied he looked disapprovingly at some of my manners and my remarks; but I was too full of self-conceit to think he could really find fault with anything about me. It was all so delightful: the little councils in the attic, sometimes about the acting, sometimes about the dresses; then, as the day approached, the innumerable suggestions for "stage effects." We were always scampering up there for this and that, and the fact of concealing our purpose from Cousin Mary lent a new zest to our delight. Now all this time I could not help feeling what a strong influence Mr. Ludlow was in the little circle: with all his fun and good-humor, he had a certain dignity which made people turn to him with a peculiar respect. If ever I felt abashed, it was when I met his grave kindly glance; if ever I stopped for an instant's criticism of my silly selfish self, it was when I thought of what he would think of me. The secret of it was that with all his love of honest fun and pleasure, he had higher lights: he was seeking something of which I had never thought; he had a purpose in his life which dignified it, so that in his lightest moments I felt that his influence was a strong and serious one. At times he encouraged me to talk to him, and I was startled one day by overhearing him say to Kate, "I think you don't do Ruth justice; I believe there is more in her than that."

I fancied directly that this referred to my acting, and the only result was an increase of effort when it came my turn to appear at the rehearsals.

The morning of the eventful day arrived. It had been agreed that we were to marshal our forces at ten o'clock in the attic, and all help in the adjustment of curtains, seats, lights, etc. It was a time of intense fascination. We girls talked and laughed gayly, enjoying everything; and I can hear now the sound of the hammer as Mr. Ludlow nailed up this and that; the creaking of the boards as we ran across them before the druggeting was tacked down; the voices of one and another asking questions, offering advice, expostulating, criticising: it was a most enjoyable morning. We had a luncheon sent up to us in the attic, and I think that was the best of all; it was like a picnic, except that there were hot dishes, and a servant to run up and down. There was to be a dance after the play, and a supper; but that luncheon seemed to me a far more delightful banquet than the one to be spread that evening in the beautiful dining-room down stairs. Yet in my mind I kept anticipating the glories of the evening, the dress I was to wear, my speeches, the whole effect, finally the dance, with a real band of musicians, and the supper, at which we young people were to have a table all to ourselves. By three o'clock our luncheon was over, and Kate, who was arranging the stage for the first scene, found she needed a book which was in the parlor. She turned to me. "Come, Ruth," she said, a little sharply, "you are doing nothing. Will you run down and get me that big book on the parlor table?"

I assented willingly enough, and ran down the four flights of stairs, scarcely thinking what I was doing, until I reached the parlor. I was just going into the room, my hand was on the handle of the door, when I saw through the glass of the front door the postman's figure outside. Even now I can see the street with its covering of snow, the wide heavy doorway, the dim hall with the winding staircase at the back, and I can picture in fancy my own girlish figure standing there, not knowing that one of the most important moments of my life had come. The postman dropped a big letter into the box. I went forward, and taking it up, was pleased to find on it papa's handwriting addressed to me. No one was about the hall, the parlor into which I hurried was equally desolate, and I sat down to read my letter before going up with the book Kate wanted.

I opened my letter with feverish haste, but the first glance dashed my good spirits. I read the few lines with a sinking heart, and I can almost see them now hurriedly traced across a bit of paper:

"MY DEAR LITTLE GIRL,--You will know that I feel very sorry to cut short your visit, but Winny is not well, and Joe is ailing, and I am afraid you must come home at once. You will get this letter about three o'clock on Tuesday, and Mr. Barlow is coming up from New York on the six-o'clock train; so if Cousin Mary will see you safely to the dépôt, Mr. B. will look out for you.

"In haste, your loving FATHER."

For a moment I sat still in the big arm-chair, staring at the letter, not realizing just what it meant. Then I glanced at the clock. Yes, it was only half past three. There was time to say good-by to them all, and get down to the dépôt long before six; and as I said this mechanically to myself, I burst into tears--selfish tears, I regret to say; tears not for Winny and Joe at home, but for my great disappointment. It was while I was crying that I began to think it would not really be _necessary_ for me to go--no one knew of papa's letter; why need I tell them until tomorrow? Surely twenty-four hours more or less could make no difference. Winny would be the last person in the world to wish to spoil my pleasure this way; and then she could not be _very_ ill, or papa would have said so. There was Hester, our old nurse, always ready to come up from the village when she was needed. As the temptation to conceal my letter and disobey papa came upon me, I grew more sharply conscious of everything around me. The fire burned more brightly, the ticking of the clock seemed louder, and the snow-flakes fell against the windows of the long room whiter and softer. Five minutes of selfish reasoning passed, and then I had begun to see in myself only an injured and reasoning person. I would wait until the morning.

With this decision, I crushed the letter into my pocket, seized the book Kate wanted, and hurried out into the hall. But I never shall forget how like a watched and guilty being I felt. The stairs looked shadowy; I almost longed for courage to go into the attic, read them all my letter, and say good-by; but the first sight of the gay little company, the mimic stage, Milly seated on a ladder sewing curtain-rings, Jessie Price trailing up and down the "boards" rehearsing her part, Kate and Mary and Mr. Ludlow arranging candles, dispelled my conscience-pricks; it was too fascinating to be left.

Milly looked up from her sewing. "Well," she exclaimed, "what has kept you down stairs so long, Ruth?"

I felt confused, but tried to answer carelessly: "Oh, I was in the parlor."

Mr. Ludlow turned around suddenly. "Why, was that Ruth's voice?" he exclaimed.

I felt my cheeks flame, but I laughed, a little defiantly.

"Certainly, sir," I answered. And then Mr. Ludlow looked at me gravely for a moment, but said no more.

"Here, Ruthie," Kate said, "go and find that other red curtain, will you, like a dear?"

I was searching for it behind the scenes, when I heard the voices outside discussing some expected letters. Then Mr. Ludlow called out, "Ruth, did the postman come while you were down stairs?"

For an instant my heart beat so wildly that I could not speak; but one idea possessed me: I must not admit to having received papa's letter. All my moral courage fled, and scarcely knowing what it was that I was saying, I answered, "No, sir."

There was a silence which it seemed to me I could not endure. Everything seemed to stand still. I had told my first and last lie, and the words burned my tongue. I had found the curtain, but I had no power to move. Finally I roused myself, and rejoined the others. Their voices rose and fell; they were laughing over some joke of Mr. Ludlow's; but to me everything was changed.

[TO BE CONTINUED.]

YELM, THURSTON COUNTY, WASHINGTON TERRITORY.

I am a little boy not quite seven years old. I can read YOUNG PEOPLE, and have been a subscriber to it since the nineteenth number. I am delighted with it, and, as I told my papa to-day, wish it were a _daily_ paper. I too like "Toby Tyler" and "Phil's Fairies" best of all the stories, though I am interested in everything in it, especially the Post-office Box. Although I can read YOUNG PEOPLE quite well, I can not write, so I have got my papa to write this for me.

My home is on the Yelm, the Indian name for a beautiful prairie in Washington Territory. From our house we have a splendid view of the Cascade Range; and of its grand snow peak, Mount Rainier. It is forty miles distant "as the crow flies," yet so clear and pure is the atmosphere (except in our "rainy season") it seems scarcely a third of that distance from the observer looking at it, for the first time. Rainier was no doubt once an active volcano. Several years ago two adventurous travellers climbed to the summit, and spent a night there, having been unable to ascend and return to the base of the mountain in one day. They found an ancient crater, and warmed their benumbed limbs by the small jets of hot vapor they found rising from one side of the crater. Smoke and steam are sometimes seen rising from the summit, and this has occurred quite frequently during the present season. After rising some distance above the summit, the vapor condenses partially sometimes, and forms a great cloud that for a time conceals the summit; at other times the vapor hangs above the mountain-top like an immense inverted bowl or Chinese hat; and again it is blown rapidly away by strong winds. My papa calls Rainier a great, natural barometer, as when it emits vapor that condenses in clouds about its summit it almost surely indicates "falling weather" within two or three days. The Indian name for Rainier is Tach-homa, the meaning of which I do not know. Some of the Indians are very superstitious about Rainier--will not hunt the mountain sheep far up the snow-line, and think its summit is the abode of an evil spirit.

I would like to inform the little boy in Ohio who boasted of his early chickens, hatched March 28, and Fred D. M., of New York, whose ten chickens were hatched on the 11th of March, that I have a hen that hatched twelve chickens on the 21st of _January_. I raised them all, and the pullets (Cochins) are now--June 2--almost as large as common hens. The little chicks sometimes scampered over the snow-crust in February when wandering from their home in the wood-shed.

I do not know whether Mr. Editor will think my letter worthy a place in the Post-office Box, but I have derived so much pleasure from what I have each week read there that I felt like attempting something for its columns.

HARRY S. V. T.

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COLCHESTER, VERMONT.

I go to school, and we have an exercise of spelling the school down. We also speak pieces. I have been at school four terms, and have not missed a day. I like YOUNG PEOPLE very much. I think "Toby Tyler," "Mildred's Bargain," and "Susie Kingman's Decision" all just splendid. I live on a farm a little way from Lake Champlain, and it is very pleasant here. We went boating a few weeks ago. My little cousin, two years old, was up from Burlington, and she thought it a treat to play in the sand and water. I have a little sister who is seven years old, and I am nine.

C. S. F.

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RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA.

I have one bound volume of YOUNG PEOPLE with my name on it. The next is to be sister's. We have read almost all the stories, but I have not read any that I liked so well as "Toby Tyler." I want to see the end of "The Cruise of the 'Ghost.'"

I have a little fox. He will eat almost anything, but prefers raw lamb. I love him dearly. He follows me around. I am nine years old.

GEORGE H. H.

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BRUNSWICK, NEW YORK.

I do not take HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE, but my cousin, who is making a long visit here, does, and I like it very much. I want to tell you about a dog I had last summer. As soon as you began to scold him, he would sit down and look up at you so pitifully, and put first one paw up and then the other, as though he were begging you to stop. His name was Sam, and he was such a good dog! He is dead now. I am eleven years old, and I have a cat that is ten, and looks just like a tiger. I hope you will print this, for I have never seen any of my letters in print. Please tell me if you let others than subscribers write and send "Wiggles."

DAISY.

All little readers, whether they are subscribers or not, may send "Wiggles," and write to the Post-office Box.

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ATHENS, ALABAMA.

I have never written very many letters, but then I am only eight years old. When my grandfather was in Washington as a Senator, my letters were a source of great amusement to him, and he made a very prompt correspondent. The story of "Toby Tyler" was a fine thing. I was sorry when it ended. I have a lot of pets, and a splendid little garden that I cultivate myself. Tom McClellan, my cousin and constant companion, has gone to the country, and I am lonesome. My pony's name is Ribbon. I have six geese, fifteen chickens, and one pig. My dog is dead. I am your champion friend.

WILLIE S. P.

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LEBANON, MISSOURI.

I am a little girl eight years old. My sister and I have taken HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE ever since the eighth number was printed, and we like it very much. Our school closed last week with an exhibition. We had a piece called the "Union Tea Party." Columbia, Uncle Sam, and Brother Jonathan received the States, Territories, and Boys from the West. All were dressed in costume, each wearing a sash with the name of the State upon it, and carrying a flag. Each brought an offering to Mother Columbia. My sister, dressed as a Quaker, was Pennsylvania, and I was Rhode Island, and dressed like a Dutch girl.

The fourteen-year locusts are here, and I wish you could listen to them calling "Phar-a-oh! Phar-a-oh!" It sounds as if a thousand toads were singing all at once.

Papa magnified some of the eggs, and they looked larger than grains of rice. He covered one of his fine trees with mosquito net to keep them from it.

I have caught some locusts, and if any of the readers of YOUNG PEOPLE want a pair, I will send them, if they will give me something in return from their home. I send the editor a little box with some split twigs and two locusts in it.

NETTA SERL.

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CROW AGENCY, MONTANA TERRITORY.

I have taken YOUNG PEOPLE ever since it was published. My aunt Georgia sends it to me from my old home in Columbus, Ohio. I like "Toby Tyler" the best of all the stories yet. My papa is the physician here, and when the camp is in, there are about thirty-five hundred Indians here. It was as good as a circus to see the Indians receive their annuities, May 11. On this occasion you might see three Indians riding the same pony; and some chiefs would tell of their brave deeds, such as killing a Sioux, or stealing horses from their enemies. The other day I saw a young bear at the trader's store; one of the Indians had brought him in. The Crows call my papa Ech-bar-rei, which means Doctor. I often play ball with the little Indians. There are six white children at this agency besides myself. We see the mountains covered with snow the year around.

HARRY W.

We hope the boys who have no little Indians to play ball with will try not to be envious of Harry.

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DANVILLE, ILLINOIS.

I saw in YOUNG PEOPLE that there is a prospect of a Natural History Society. I am very much in favor of this, and I hope it will succeed. I would like to know if those who do not take YOUNG PEOPLE can become members. I have a friend who does not take it, but she reads mine whenever she comes to see me, which visit occurs every other evening, I going to see her on other days. If the society is formed, every member should possess a book on natural history; also, if the reports were printed in a special department, it would be very nice.

GRACIE B.

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EVANS' MILLS, NEW YORK.

I am in favor of having a Natural History Society, not to contain more than one hundred members, none to be admitted under ten or over fifteen. I think there should be no initiation fee, but members should pay ten cents each month for the purpose of buying books. I have a book which treats of animals, birds, insects, and fish.

MADISON C., JUN.

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BREMEN, INDIANA.

I am in favor of the Natural History Society proposed in No. 83 of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE, but I have no suggestions to make. I will be very glad to hear from others on the subject.

EDDIE M. W.

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WINONA, MINNESOTA.

I was very much pleased with the letter from the president of the Young Chemists' Club. I am interested in entomology, and I hope that the readers of YOUNG PEOPLE will organize a Natural History Society. I propose the following plan. Let a number of boys and girls living in the same neighborhood meet together, adopt a constitution, and elect officers. Each society thus formed might send its address to the editor of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE, and as he is a very obliging gentleman, I think he would publish them for us.

C. E. P.

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WARWICK, PENNSYLVANIA.

I think the idea advanced by Charles H. Williamson is a splendid one, and in so widely circulated a publication as YOUNG PEOPLE, correspondence could be obtained from all parts of the world, and a great deal of useful knowledge might be gained.

E. G. K.

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NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

Seeing Master Charles H. Williamson's letter with reference to forming a Natural History Society, in No. 83 of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE, I beg leave to offer my opinion to him with regard to the same.

I think that it would be a very good thing, and I also think that a great deal of interest would be taken in it. I hope that it will prove successful.

PERRY W.

The letters we print in reply to Charles H. Williamson's proposal in Our Post-office Box No. 83, show that his idea meets with general approval. The boys and girls think they will enjoy the study of nature. The summer vacation will give a famous opportunity for using eyes and ears out-of-doors, and so we recommend that the society be organized at once.

Let it be called "The Young People's Natural History Society," having its head bureau of information in Our Post-Office Box.

All boys and girls over ten and under fifteen may be allowed to join it, provided only that they are readers of this paper. The number shall not be limited.

For convenience' sake, we will imagine that the editor of YOUNG PEOPLE is in the chair. The chair in this case assumes what is called the appointing power. He will appoint Charles H. Williamson, Brooklyn, E. D., N. Y., who was the original mover in the matter, president of the society.

Branches may be formed in any city, town, or village where there are intelligent boys and girls.

No initiation fee shall be charged, and no money shall be paid for any purpose whatever. Owners of books about natural history may take them to the club meetings, which ought to be held once a fortnight, at a designated time and place.

The only officers necessary to a good organization shall be a president and a secretary. It is always a good plan to have as few officers as possible in such societies as these.

It shall be the duty of members to find out all they can about the special department of natural history pursued by their branch. Of course their studies must depend somewhat upon the place where they live, whether inland or by the sea, in a warm or cold climate, etc.

Books are very helpful, but we advise you to try to _discover facts_ through your own observation.

On the first Monday of every month the various secretaries may send reports to Our Post-office Box, telling what they have done. Please tell the name of your president in the first report you send.

If difficulties arise, they will be adjusted by President Williamson; and if any questions are too perplexing for him to settle, he may refer them to the Editor, who will of course remain in the chair.

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The following exchanges are offered by correspondents:

A history of Montreal, two colored pictures of the city, and a picture of the American Falls, and a pantograph, with full directions for enlarging pictures, for a foot-power scroll-saw. Please write to arrange exchange.

CLARENCE MARSH, 392 North La Salle St., Chicago, Ill.

* * * * *

Soil and stones of Ohio, for the same of any other State.

KITTIE G. MATCHETTE, P. O. Box 103, Greenville, Darke Co., Ohio.

* * * * *

Chinese coins, for foreign and United States postage stamps. An ounce of soil from California, for the same from any other State.

E. R. MANZY, Lock Box 19, Bloomfield, Sonoma Co., Cal.

* * * * *

Rare minerals, books, sea-shells, pressed flowers, and flower seeds, for rare foreign stamps, fossils, old coins, or Indian arrow-heads or pottery. Offers of exchange for a magic lantern solicited.

JOHN MCKEEVER, 212 East 113th St., New York City.

* * * * *

Solid lead ore, for foreign stamps (no duplicates).

JOE S. MCKNIGHT, Care of Pennsylvania Vaccine Company, Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Penn.

* * * * *

Foreign and United States stamps and postmarks, for old coins or stamps. Nicaragua stamps especially desired.

GEORGE W. MCFARLAND, 121 Stockton St., Trenton, N. J.

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Twenty-five foreign stamps, for an Indian arrow-head and a few good United States stamps. Old issues of 2-cent stamps especially desired.

THOMAS F. MANAHAN, P. O. Box 388, New York City.

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Ten foreign stamps, for one foreign coin.

CHARLES H. OSLER, Mechanicstown, Frederick Co., Md.

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Stamps from Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, Holland, England, Belgium, and a few other countries, for stamps from other countries than those above named. Please exchange several stamps at a time.

DOUGLASS D. MOORE, Care of Tom Moore, Livingston, Polk Co., Texas.

* * * * *

A piece of wood from the "Drake" well, the first oil well ever put down, for Indian relics, ocean curiosities, minerals, rare stamps, or anything suitable for a museum.

FRANK MCFARLAND, Titusville, Penn.

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Foreign stamps, for old coins.

ROBERT NOBLE, 221 North Twelfth St., Richmond, Wayne Co., Ind.

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Minerals, moss, and flower seeds, for a bracket-saw or an Indian bow and arrows. Please write before sending any package.

C. H. NICHOLS, Cumming, Forsyth Co., Ga.

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Postmarks, for minerals. Pressed ferns from Illinois, for ocean curiosities.

WINNIE NEEDLES and BERTIE ELLIS, Nashville, Washington Co., Ill.

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Insects, postmarks, foreign stamps, stones from Indiana, small shells from White River, different kinds of woods, and flints from Texas, for foreign coins, sea-shells, and all kinds of curiosities. African, Asiatic, and South and Central American coins especially desired.

CHARLES E. OLDACRE, P. O. Box 341, Noblesville, Hamilton Co., Ind.

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Ten United States postmarks and a rattlesnake rattle, for any kind of ore except gold. Soil from Nebraska, for ocean curiosities.

LEE O'DONNELL, St. Edward, Boone Co., Neb.

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Rare stamps, for stamps and coins. Please send list before exchanging.

HENRY MAETZEL, 49 West Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio.

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Moss, for sea-shells.

MARY J. MANSFIELD, Merrill, Powell Co., Ky.

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Sand of eight different colors from Minnehaha Falls, put up separately in bottles, for foreign stamps, ocean curiosities, Indian arrow-heads or relics, minerals, woods, or anything pretty and curious.

BURTIE W. MCCRACKEN, 1016 Western Avenue, Minneapolis, Minn.

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I will exchange rare postage stamps, coins, or good books nicely bound, for a genuine Indian bow and arrow, a genuine Indian tomahawk, or Indian relics. Please state, when you send, what you want in return.

C. HALL, 318 West Thirty-third St., New York City.

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I will exchange a printing-press and complete outfit, for a magic lantern and slides, or a foot-power fret-saw.

W. T. DEMAREST, 106 Varick St., New York City.

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Spanish and Florida moss, for stones from Europe, Asia, or Africa. A few stones from Lake Erie, to exchange for same from other lakes or rivers; and stones from New York, for same from other States and Territories. A foreign coin, for an American newspaper printed previous to 1830; also old American coins, for others. Please send postal describing coin before sending the coin itself.

H. F. KERR, 164 State St., Auburn, N. Y.

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I will exchange foreign or domestic stamps with any other collector.

WILLIE A. RUDD, 330 Evergreen Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.

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Twenty-five foreign stamps, for a United States 5-cent newspaper stamp; fifty, for a 10-cent newspaper; 100, for a 25-cent newspaper. No duplicates given.

EDWARD I. TIBBITTS, Sedalia, Mo.

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Ocean curiosities and shells from South America, for any curiosities valuable for a museum.

JOHN TSCHARNER, P. O. Box 3, Okawville, Washington Co., Ill.

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

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Julia F. Ehrman, Lillian E. Adams, and Walter C. Boult withdraw their names from the exchange list.

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CONSTANT READER, AND OTHERS.--Asa Gray's _Botany_, Springer's _Forest Life_, Browne's _Trees of America_, Ingersoll's _Friends Worth Knowing_, and Rennie's works on Natural History (three volumes, on Birds, Elephants, and Quadrupeds), will prove useful to you. These books are published by Harper & Brothers.

* * * * *

SAM D.--Gillespie's work on surveying will probably meet your need.

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F. A. L.--RED INK.--Boil two ounces of Brazil-wood, half an ounce of alum, half an ounce of crystals of tartar, in sixteen ounces of pure water till the water is reduced one-half. Dissolve in the strained liquor half an ounce of gum-arabic, and add one and a half drams of cochineal powder digested in one and a half ounces of alcohol. This will make a beautiful, permanent ink. But if you prefer, you may take this somewhat easier way: Dissolve an ounce of cochineal powder in half a pint of hot water. When cold, add a quart of spirits of hartshorn. Dilute with three ounces of water. Let it stand a few days, and then pour off the clear liquid.

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INTERESTED FRIEND.--Gordon's _Electricity and Magnetism_, the last edition of Ganot's _Physics_, Deschand's _Physics_, and Guthrie's _Electricity and Magnetism_ can be comprehended by the ordinary high-school boy. The school text-books on natural philosophy, as, for instance, Cooley's _New Natural Philosophy_, give much that is easily understood.

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HUMPTY DUMPTY.--The earliest posts for carrying letters between Brussels and Vienna were established in 1516 by Franz, Prince of Thurn und Taxis. His descendants enjoyed the monopoly until 1806, on the dissolution of the German Empire. The present Prince has a palace in Ratisbon, a very ancient city of Bavaria. It is sixty-nine miles north of Munich, on the right bank of the Danube. Its cathedral was founded in 1275, and completed in 1875. The abbey of St. Emmerau, the patron saint of the city, was enlarged by Charlemagne. In the rear of his palace the Prince of Thurn und Taxis can see a monument to Kepler, the astronomer, whose remains lie in the Protestant burial-ground.

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E. T.--FIRST BISHOP OF LIVERPOOL.--The diocese of Liverpool was recently formed mainly out of Chester. Its bishop is the Rev. John Charles Ryle, D.D. He was nominated by Lord Beaconsfield, and was consecrated in 1880. He is known as the author of some excellent books of a devotional tendency, and as a commentator on the Gospels.

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COUNT NO ACCOUNT.--The address for which you inquire was published in the Post-office Box, No. 82, HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE.

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BICYCLING.

All boys who have asked questions concerning the price of bicycles are referred to the advertisements of the Pope Manufacturing Company, of Boston, and E. I. Horsman, of New York, on the last page of the cover of YOUNG PEOPLE.

R. B. SWEET.--You can buy bicycles with front wheels of from 28 to 42 inches in diameter, with rubber tires and steel spokes, for from $12 to $35.

GEORGE L. HALL.--See preceding answer for your first question. Only bicycles with rubber tires and careful finish can be driven up hill.

A SUBSCRIBER, PHILADELPHIA.--Several of your questions are answered in the preceding paragraphs. You can get a bicycle on the installment plan from either of the dealers advertising in this paper if your references are sufficiently good. You should not ride a wheel of less size than 46 inches, of which the price is $65.

D. R. ALLEN.--Send to G. W. Simmons & Son, Oak Hall, Boston, for samples and price of L. A. W. suit.

HARRY N. NICHOLS.--See advertisements on cover.

EMANUEL SENN.--You would doubtless derive much pleasure from a bicycle, and I should advise you to get one if you have friends of your own age who own bicycles, and with whom you could ride.

GEORGE A. RICHARDS.--I can not answer the question as to which is the best make, as every style of bicycle has its own peculiar merit. Either the "Columbia" or the "Horsman" is a good bicycle. It is almost impossible to ride a bicycle against a strong wind. Bicycles can not be used to advantage on rough, hilly streets. To dismount, you wait until the left pedal is _down_; then imagine it a stirrup, throw the right leg backward over the backbone of the bicycle, and dismount exactly as you would from the back of a horse.

E. A. HOARE.--A good bicycle, such as you want, will cost about $25, to which you must add $1 for a crate and the express charges on a fifty-pound package from New York to your place of residence.

"THE CAPTAIN."

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THE NAUGHTY ISLANDS.--Answers to this puzzle have been sent by Frank S. Davis, Marian, Bessie, Sam and Will, Julia E. Smith, and Richard Norton.

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Correct answers to puzzles have been received from Frank S. Davis, "North Star," Henry Eikema, William B. Hadley, "School-Boy," Eddie S. Hequembourg, Effie W. Rhino, "Tel E. Graph," Louis Lee Gamble, G. Volckhausen, "Leadville," Harry Phillips, Mary A. Githens, "Queen Bess," Isobel Jacob, Maude Wilson, Edith Thurman, "Vi O. Let," Jemima Beeston, Rupert Norton, and Edward N. Smith.

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PUZZLES FROM YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS.

No. 1.

A STANZA AND THE AUTHOR'S NAME.

Sviel fo aregt enm lal nimdre su Ew acn aekm ruo ivsel bsuilem, Dan, edaptrgni, aelve idnehb su Toforpuist no het snasd fo emti-- Toforpuist hatt spaherp onahtre, Lisaign r'eo s'eilf nemols amin, A rofnorl dna pshirweekde rbohtre, Nigese labsl atek aehtr ignaa.

YENRH THROWDSAW WOLGOLNLEF.

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No. 2.

ENIGMA.

In cat, but not in kitten. In gloves, but not in mitten. In cot, but not in bed. In lavender, not in red. In paper, not in cloth. In custard, not in broth. The whole a careful cook will take To flavor a delicious cake.

NETTIE J.

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No. 3.

WORD SQUARE.

1. A celebrated mountain. 2. Contact. 3. Gain in money. 4. Bitter. 5. Shelters for cattle.

LADY BETTY.

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No. 4.

TWO EASY HALF-SQUARES.

1. An ambush. 2. Moved quickly. 3. An article. 4. A letter.

1. A fruit. 2. To masticate. 3. Near. 4. A letter.

PERCY.

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No. 5.

TWO EASY DIAMONDS.

1. A letter. 2. A fish resembling a snake. 3. A tree and its nut. 4. A boy. 5. A letter.

1. A letter. 2. To place. 3. Part of a musical instrument. 4. To strike gently. 5. A letter.

SAMUEL K.

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ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN No. 85.

No. 1.

Picture.

No. 2.

V T I N T O N I C V I N E G A R N I G E R C A R R

No. 3.

R E U S S T H R E E L O I R E I N A N E E A G L E

Rhine, Seine.

No. 4.

B A B E B I T E A V O W I T E M B O R E T E A M E W E R E M M A

No. 5.

T agu S I tasc A T ibe R I celan D C hil I A rago N C otopax I A tlant A

Titicaca, Sardinia.

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Throwing Light, on page 528.--Bat.

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By filling up the blanks in the "Naughty Islands in New York State" you will obtain the correct solution of the puzzling lesson in geography on page 528: The Three Brothers, St. John, Three Brothers, Dead, Chesterfield, Moorefield, Winfield, Navigators, Canary, Leghorn, Heather, Brest, Swan, Coral, Rainy, Cashmere, Sugar, Salmon, Three Brothers, Funen, Fire, Greece, Chesterfield, Boiling Spring, Fire, Chesterfield, Berne, Lookout, Spree.

We regret that an error crept into our puzzle, but we are sure the whole geography class has already found it out.

HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE.

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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.

SUBMARINE EXPLOSIONS.

BY FRANK BELLEW.

At the back of an old farm-house, in a shady little grove, through which rippled a shallow stream, which stopped on its way in the grove to make a deep pool, we had some royal fun one Fourth of July in submarine blasting. Our methods and materials were simple, but the result very gratifying to us. In the first place, we made a rude cup of clay, to the bottom of which we attached a string; then we stuck a fire-cracker to the soft clay inside; and when all was ready, lighted the cracker, and quickly but carefully lowered the cup, bottom up, into the water. Presently we saw a puff of smoke away at the bottom of the pool; the diving-bell was overthrown, and then hidden from view by the small cloud of smoke as it came curling up and burst upon the surface. One side of our diving-bell was blown out, but not sufficiently shattered to satisfy us; so we set to work to construct one on a more extensive scale. We procured half of a small water-melon, and scooping out the inside, passed a string through the top, and weighted it heavily round with stones; then we arranged three fire-crackers inside, with their heads pointing together, all of which is represented in Fig. 1. We also bored two holes in the top, and wedged a couple of crackers through them. Then, taking care that all the fuses were in perfect order and of the same length, we got our tackle ready, and prepared to lower our diving-bell. At the right moment all the fuses were lighted at once, and down she went to the bottom of the pool. It was an anxious moment as we watched the result. Presently puff; then puff, puff, in rapid succession; and then up came puffs of one at a time and two together, and then a big one came to the surface. We had seen our diving-bell turn white side up, like a shark, and now we hauled it up, to find it a good deal blackened inside, and, if my memory serves me right at this length of time, with one of the sides split. We were in hopes of blowing it to pieces, but still, as it was, we pronounced it a glorious success.

After this we tried some further experiments, the result of which astonished me not a little. We simply attached small arrow-shaped pieces of clay, like this (Fig. 2), to the ends of fire-crackers, lighted the fuses, and then, waiting until they were on the point of explosion, threw them into the water. Down they went, and exploded at the bottom, and up came the little puffs of white smoke. I confess I was astonished, for I certainly expected the water would extinguish them before they were half way down. It was glorious fun, and we avoided the noise of the crackers, and they burned nothing--except, perhaps, the fish.

JUST SO.

BY M. E.

A young calf saw one day a circus pass, And cried at once, "Oh, _I_ must join that show; Just as they run to see the elephant; The folks would run to look at me, I know." "You're quite mistaken," said a sheep; "for while In this great land the elephants are few-- And therefore wonders are--the world, my dear, Has seen a multitude of calves like you."

End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Young People, July 5, 1881, by Various