CHAPTER III.

There was about five minutes of quiet, only broken by the scratch of pens, and then Mr. Gorham went round and collected the papers.

Susie's face was very bright. Florence saw it, and bent her own still lower, saying, inwardly: "No wonder she's happy, knowing that she'll have every vote except the one she has written for me. If uncle could only understand how hard it is for me to make friends, and how--"

But all thoughts were interrupted by Mr. Gorham's rising from his seat. His face bore a surprised expression, and he looked again at his paper to assure himself no mistake had been made.

"Oh," groaned Florence, "he thinks it strange that out of the _forty_, I should have only _one_! If uncle wouldn't keep nodding to me!" But there the Squire sat, gently hitting the floor with his cane, and looking one moment at Mr. Gorham, and the next at his niece, with a most-hopeful expression.

At length there was perfect silence in the room. The Squire had stopped tapping with his cane, and now held it firmly down with both hands on the heavy gold top, with his face turned toward the teacher's desk.

"I find," announced Mr. Gorham, "on counting the votes"--every ear was strained to catch the result--"that Miss Florence has twenty-eight, and Miss Susie twelve. Therefore Miss Florence will be our Queen." And he turned to the astounded girl with a cordial word of congratulation.

The Squire nodded more vigorously than ever, and pounded away in a regardless manner with his cane, but nobody heard it in the general uproar. Some were clapping their hands, others had flocked to Florence's seat, and were congratulating her. The young girl's face was radiant with delight, and Susie's quite as much so.

"You bear defeat bravely," said Mr. Gorham, in his kindest tone, to Susie. "The Squire is asking to see you."

"Ah," said the Squire, as Susie came forward, "we can't all win, you know, my dear. I hope you don't bear Florence any ill-will?"

"Far from it," answered Susie, earnestly. "I wouldn't have it otherwise." And she sent a loving glance toward Florence, which was as quickly returned.

Squire Tracy motioned to Mr. Gorham, and they both stepped aside, and after a few moments of subdued conversation the latter came forward and rang the bell.

"Squire Tracy," said he, "has kindly offered his grounds for the May party, so our fête will be held at Maplewood instead of the grove."

At this announcement the buzzing was louder than ever.

"Fifty times better than those old picnic grounds, where we've been all our lives," said Josie.

"I've always been wild to get in Squire Tracy's grounds," put in Stella, longingly.

"Oh, they're grand," said Sadie. "They have four gardeners all the year round. I went once with papa when he was attending the Squire. That's the advantage, girls, of having one's father a doctor." And she threw back her head playfully.

"Or a minister," added Susie, "for I've been two or three times with papa."

Both speakers were immediately beset with questions regarding the beauty of the Squire's surroundings, and nothing else was talked about all the way home.

"Well, I got my reward pretty soon," thought Susie, as she waved her school satchel to Baby, who was throwing kisses from the nursery window; "for I should enjoy a day at Squire Tracy's more than anything I can think of, and I shall never forget Florence's expression when Mr. Gorham announced the good news. I never felt so like crying, but I kept back the tears for fear Florence would think I was terribly disappointed."

And what were Florence's thoughts at the same moment?

"To think the girls really like me!" as she passed up the broad and softly carpeted staircase; "and Mr. Gorham, too, seemed so pleased! Oh, _how_ I shall study now! And to think uncle really patted me on the head, and said, 'I'm delighted with you, my child!' That was the best of all. What _will_ Bessie say when she hears it? I must begin a letter to her this very moment," and the happy girl hummed a lively air as she opened her portfolio. "There! I hope uncle didn't hear me." Then opening a letter: "I must read again just what he wrote to Aunt Rebecca, and keep it constantly in mind: 'If Florence comes to live with me, she must be studious and quiet, for I have lived so long alone that I can not bear the thought of a romping girl setting things topsy-turvy.' Well, I've been that to the very letter, 'studious and quiet,' but I feel to-day like opening the piano, and pounding away on it every college song Ray ever sang for us; but no, 'studious and quiet,' 'studious and quiet,'" and her pen ran noiselessly over the sheet before her as she wrote the following letter:

"MY DEAREST SISTER,--I have time for a few words before dinner, and I never wrote you in so happy a frame of mind. You know I told you how all the girls disliked me, and that I didn't feel any more acquainted with them than I did the first day. Well, I made a mistake, for _twenty-eight_ out of the _forty_ voted for me to be Queen of the May. And my opponent was Susie Kingman, the one I wrote you all the girls were crazy over, and who reminded me of you more than any one I ever saw. It seems even now as though there must be some mistake; but no, I remember how cordial the girls were, and that they didn't seem particularly surprised when Mr. Gorham read the result. But, Bessie, the best thing of all was that _uncle was there_! When he came into the room, I trembled from head to foot, for I only expected one vote. Dear me! the tears are falling all over this, but they are joyful ones. Well, uncle was delighted, called me 'My child,' and talked to me about school in the kindest manner all the way home--talked more in that quarter of an hour than all the rest of the time I've been here. Bessie darling, this is what I've prayed for--that uncle would care for me if only a very little, for it is dreadful to be in the house with mamma's own brother and have him take no notice of me, except by giving me money and presents; but that 'My child' was worth them all. The bell is ringing for dinner. I haven't told you half how happy I am. Uncle has offered his grounds for the affair, which comes off the last day of school. Will wonders never cease? Your ever loving

"FLO."

Ah! if Susie could have seen that tear-blotted letter that was kissed and cried over by the little absent sister, she might well have said, "I have my reward already."

[TO BE CONTINUED.]

PINAFORE RHYMES.--(_Continued._)

As I walked on the beach at sunset A ship sailed over the bay; And a little girl with a poodle Was on the sands at play; But when I came back an hour later They all had gone away.

* * * * *

My beautiful ball has gone down in the hole, And lies there in the cellar amongst the coal; We shall never be able to fish it out, And the rats and the mice they will roll it about.

* * * * *

Little Annie, Little Fannie, Dance a charming minuet, Make a cunning little set, While their little sister plays, And the dolls' admiring gaze. They go tripping to and fro, Till their blood is in a glow, Turning round and round about, That is lots of fun no doubt Both for Annie And for Fannie.

* * * * *

Why, what has my pretty one found-- An old shoe lying there on the ground? And what does she think she will do With such an old castaway shoe?

It is in such a terrible plight, The cobbler would laugh at the sight. To drop it's the best one can do With such an old castaway shoe.

* * * * *

What is the matter with greedy Jim, That he should blubber and roar? Because he has eaten a peck of plums. And can not eat any more.

HELENA, ARKANSAS.

My uncle takes YOUNG PEOPLE for me, and I am very much interested in it.

Last summer mamma and I went to Grand Isle, in the Gulf of Mexico, where we had fine sailing, fishing, and plenty of shrimps, oysters, and crabs. We sailed over to the place where it is said that Lafitte, the pirate, used to keep his treasures. It is a beautiful spot, with groves of oranges, beautiful oleanders, and quantities of grapes and melons. I like the bathing, and I gathered beautiful shells and gulls' eggs. I like Louisiana better than Arkansas, because there we have sea-bathing, and lots of sugar-cane and oranges.

My brother is breaking a pony for me to ride, and I have another brother in Europe. He is a midshipman, and he sends me beautiful things, and writes to me about the pictures and palaces and ruins. His last letter was from Rome.

I am ten years old, and until this spring mamma taught me at home. Now I go to school, and my sister gives me music lessons, and mamma teaches me French.

OLIVE H. O.

* * * * *

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA.

I am twelve years old, and can not walk. I have been in bed for nine months with inflammatory rheumatism. A great many pleasures come to me, though, and one is YOUNG PEOPLE. Papa has bought us every number published; and through all my sickness I have read it, or had it read to me by mamma. I read all the letters carefully, with much interest, and sometimes I hear of a little boy or girl afflicted as I am. I assure you I know how to sympathize with them. Mamma is writing this for me, as I have very little use of my hands.

I have ten chickens. They are all named. A yellow one I call Coachie; she comes into my room every morning and lays an egg behind the coal-box. I can tell which hen lays every egg; then we write the name on the egg, and date it. Last week papa took an old rocking-chair and put wheels on it, and now every day I can be taken to the back door and see all my chickens fed. I enjoy it, after being in one room for so long. My papa used to be a doctor, and he says when I get stronger I will be able to walk again. I have two sisters older than I am, but no brothers.

A. MAUDE N.

* * * * *

WAKENBY, KANSAS.

I think I have the earliest chickens. We have twelve that were hatched on March 4. We call them our inaugural chickens.

My auntie, who lives near, has two beautiful tame antelopes. We have lots of fun playing with them.

We have been gathering wild flowers here ever since the middle of March, and to look out on the prairie now is just beautiful.

JENNIE MAY M.

* * * * *

WEST CHESTER, NEW YORK.

Now that summer is near, I thought that some of the readers of YOUNG PEOPLE would like to know a way to dry plants. The plants to be preserved should be gathered when the weather is dry. The end of the stem only should be placed in water for a single day. Then arrange the plant between several leaves of stout blotting-paper, and pass gently over it a large flat-iron, slightly heated, until the moisture is gone. This will fix the color of the plant. Succulent thick-leaved plants require more heat than others.

These preserved specimens should always be kept in a dry place, as dampness destroys them at once. They should be neatly mounted on a card, or on the leaves of a herbarium.

W. E. B.

* * * * *

MASON VALLEY, NEVADA.

I like YOUNG PEOPLE so much, and the little letters are so nice! I have not seen any from this place, and my sister says she does not believe they are real letters, but I think they are.

We live twenty-five miles from the Piute Indian Reservation at Walker Lake. There are a great many Indians here, and they work for the white people. I am nine years old.

ROSA BELLE B.

* * * * *

CLYDE, IOWA.

I felt so sorry for Phil, in the story of "Phil's Fairies," for I am a cripple too. I am not so bad as he was, because I can walk. I think he had a nice time when the fairies came to see him. I wish they would come to see me. Can anyone tell me how to make a harp like Phil's? My sister says it is called an Æolian harp.

CARRIE M. K.

Directions for making an Æolian harp were given on page 310 of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE, Vol. I.

* * * * *

SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS.

I am going to tell YOUNG PEOPLE about our parrot. She acts as though she knew as much as any one. She will whistle, and call the dog, and will sing and cry, and call all the children by their names. One time we lived near a lady who had a little boy named Georgie. He used to run away a good deal, and his mother would go out and call him. In a little while Polly would call Georgie, and it sounded just as if the lady was calling. Polly plays out in the grass with us when we play tag, and enjoys it as well as we do. She will run after us, and halloo and scream. If any one happens to cough, Polly will cough and cough as if she had a bad cold.

When I went away last summer, mamma said that Polly went up stairs and all around, calling and looking for me, and when I got home she followed me everywhere, out to the gate, and even on to the sidewalk. Every morning when I come down stairs she says, "Halloo." She came from Australia, and is about twenty-five years old. She is green, and has yellow on the top of her head. If anything should happen to her, I should feel as bad as Toby Tyler did when Mr. Stubbs was killed.

K. L. H.

* * * * *

ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY.

I think I am right in guessing that the pet of Iris and Myrtle Brockway is a piano.

We, too, have a pet in our house. It is often quite musical, and always a great joy. It is our new little sister Maggie.

NELLIE P. H.

* * * * *

STANSTEAD, CANADA.

I was seven years old in April, and mamma gave me the bound volume of YOUNG PEOPLE for my birthday present. I like "Toby Tyler" very much, but I think it was real mean to make Mr. Stubbs die. I have named my new little kitty Toby. I live one hundred miles from Montreal. We make lots of maple sugar here.

CHARLIE W. H.

* * * * *

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, ILLINOIS.

I have had so many applications for my stamps that I know how to sympathize with Percy McDermott, I have received over sixty letters, and I only had stamps enough to exchange with eight or ten. I have increased my collection considerably by the exchange, but my stamps are exhausted now. Still the letters keep coming, but I beg correspondents not to write any more.

CLEM FLAGLER.

* * * * *

HAMPTON COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA.

I want to tell YOUNG PEOPLE about our Newfoundland dog. Our aunt sent it to us from Columbia, 160 miles, by express. It is named Bruin, because it looks like a huge black bear. It is such a smart dog. When it hears a certain hymn sung, it comes in, lays its head on papa's shoulder, and howls. It won't howl for any other tune. One day mamma told the cook she wanted some eggs, and Bruin trotted off and brought one in its mouth from the nest without breaking it. It always brings us something, if only a pine burr, when we come home. I take YOUNG PEOPLE, and like it very much. We live near the coast in South Carolina, and we go fishing in a river near us called Coosawhatchie. A great many places here have Indian names. I have one sister, and no brothers. I am nearly ten years old.

JAMES TILLINGHAST M.

* * * * *

MILKS CITY, MONTANA TERRITORY.

I thought I would write and let YOUNG PEOPLE know that somebody is living away out here. We are only two miles from Fort Keogh, which is a very pretty post. There are lots of Indians camping around. They are Sioux and Cheyennes. They come to town every day, painted up in all colors, to sell their bows and arrows. There are about five thousand in all.

We have twenty-eight cows, and almost all of them have calves. Two of the calves are great pets. One is a little spotted fellow, and we named it Tulip. Then we have two buffaloes and seventy-five chickens.

FLORA C. B.

* * * * *

OMAHA, NEBRASKA.

I have only just received a number of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE which should have come a month ago. I suppose it was detained by the great floods. Omaha was flooded by the Missouri River, and a great many people had to leave their homes, but the water did not reach as high as our house. Papa took me to the river when it was so very high. It looked grand to see the river five miles wide, and great logs floating down, looking like huge whales. The wharf-men caught many things that came floating down. One man caught a keg of eggs, another two tables, two bedsteads, and a cradle.

HELEN L. G.

* * * * *

REYNOLDSBURG, OHIO.

So many have written to me for postmarks that my supply is exhausted. Correspondents will please take notice.

WILLIE JOHNSON.

* * * * *

HOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY.

I wish to inform correspondents that I have no more copper ore to exchange.

WILLIE H. BIRTWHISTLE.

* * * * *

I have changed my address. I will now exchange old United States stamps, for stamps from Africa, Liberia, or other foreign countries.

MAUDE H. BUCKNER, 1412 Madison Street, Covington, Ky.

* * * * *

I have a fine lot of brown and Dominique Leghorn fowls, a quantity of silver-laced pop-corn for planting (it is the best and most productive and most profitable variety in cultivation), a fine assortment of fresh vegetable and flower seeds; also strawberry plants of all new and leading varieties. I would like to exchange any of the above for a small printing-press and outfit, well-bound books, minerals, woods, or relics, or for choice and rare seeds or plants. Offers from correspondents solicited. Write what you wish to exchange before sending.

FRANK H. LATTIN, Gaines, Orleans Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

I wish to inform those who have written to me and have not received any answer that I have had a long fit of sickness, and could not write, but I will answer as soon as possible.

I also wish to inform those who have sent for arrow-heads and have not received them that my stock is exhausted. If they wish to exchange for any other curiosities with me, I would like it, but if not, I will return their property, if they will kindly write and tell me what they prefer.

P. A. BUTTS, Bemus Point, Chautauqua Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

JERSEY CITY HEIGHTS, NEW JERSEY.

I wish to notify correspondents that my stock of Danish stamps is exhausted.

C. H. JEWELL.

* * * * *

Mamie Morris, Oil City, Pennsylvania, wishes to notify correspondents that her supply of stamps being exhausted, she withdraws from exchange.

* * * * *

Having received several coins dated earlier than 1820, I withdraw that part of my exchange. I now offer fifteen foreign stamps for the little cent with the eagle, date 1856.

MORISON C. MANCHESTER, 40 Lawrence Street, Lowell, Mass.

* * * * *

I have received over a hundred stamps to exchange for Bahama stamps. As I had only a few Bahamas, I exchanged all I could, and returned the other stamps. Correspondents will please not send for any more Bahamas.

WILLIE S. CHILD, Red Bank, N. J.

* * * * *

I will exchange postmarks for coins, or for foreign or old stamps. I will also exchange minerals for stalagmites, and a trilobite for a stalactite. I have only three trilobites, so I can not give every boy one.

EDDIE M. WEYER, Portsmouth, Sciota Co., Ohio.

* * * * *

I will exchange a painting outfit, for a scroll-saw or a good printing-press; a piece of flint from Ohio, for the same from any other State; or Indian arrow-heads, for old cents, half-cents, or foreign coins.

FRANK RAWIE, Canton, Stark Co., Ohio.

* * * * *

Correspondents will please take notice that my stock of lead ore is exhausted. I will try and get some more this summer if they will wait.

I will exchange a collection of 252 stamps, for a printing-press.

NEWTON COMPTON, Care of Rev. J. M. Compton, Rural Grove, Montgomery Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

I wish to exchange a magic lantern, with twenty-two slides, all packed in a strong box, for a number of good books. Correspondents will please state how many and what books they are willing to give, stating title and name of author. I will accept the best offer. I am twelve years old.

JAMES BIDSWELL, P. O. Box 183, Los Angeles, Cal.

* * * * *

I will give twenty-five specimens of minerals, twelve different-sized Indian arrow-heads, twenty-two different coins, with paper money, 300 postage stamps, a stuffed turtle, a shark's-egg case, and many other things suitable for a cabinet, to any person who will send me a good printing-press, with chase not less than 5 by 7-1/2 inches, with type, etc. Please write before sending. Press must be in working order.

C. B. FERNALD, 1123 Girard Street, Philadelphia, Penn.

* * * * *

I will exchange my entire collection of stamps, and a stamp album brought from Dresden, Germany, for curiosities of any kind. My collection is a valuable one. It consists of stamps from nearly every country, including South Africa and South America. The United States stamps alone are worth three dollars. There are complete sets of War and Interior, and incomplete sets of Post-office and Agriculture. The whole collection contains 250 stamps and two foreign postal cards. Correspondents will please write on a postal card what they wish to exchange before sending.

C. E. P., Box 304, Winona, Winona Co., Minn.

* * * * *

I will exchange a 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 12, 15, 24, 30, and 90 cent War Department stamp, for a 1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 12, 15, and 24 cent Treasury Department. Also foreign stamps, for others, or for rare butterflies or bugs. Twelve foreign stamps, for one rare butterfly or one rare bug.

ELIJAH G. B., 522 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio.

* * * * *

A few of the boys of this place have organized a club. We call it the American Mineral Exchange. Our club has been organized about three months. We have a paper called _The Young Naturalist_, which is published semi-monthly. We would like to correspond with any similar clubs among the readers of YOUNG PEOPLE; and we will exchange rare mineral specimens, shells from the South African coast, curiosities, and foreign postage stamps, for other minerals, curiosities, insects, or any kind of natural history specimens. Correspondents will please write and decide upon an exchange before sending specimens. Address

AMERICAN MINERAL EXCHANGE, P. O. Box 368, St. Johnsbury, Vt.

* * * * *

I have only received arrow-heads in answer to my exchange. I have plenty of stamps, which I will exchange for others. I have stamps from the Sandwich Islands, Porto Rico, Cuba, Jamaica, New South Wales, and uncancelled Heligoland. I wish stamps from Liberia, China, Japan, Ceylon, Africa, South and Central America, and other countries. I will give eighteen different foreign stamps, for one perfect arrow-head.

FRED M. CROSSETT, 52 West Nineteenth Street, New York City.

* * * * *

The following-exchanges are offered by correspondents:

Twenty postmarks or an old American copper coin, for every set of ten shells. Or a small cannon barrel six inches long, mounted on wheels, for a printing-press with chase not smaller than 3 by 4-1/2 inches, apparatus, and type.

S. D. COOPER, care of W. S. Cooper, Evans' Mills, Jefferson Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

Monograms, autographs, stones from Madagascar, and postmarks, for curiosities of any kind, especially from foreign countries.

ALBERT E. DWELLE, McPherson, McPherson Co., Kan.

* * * * *

Ocean shells and star-fish, for foreign stamps of any kind.

JAMES L. DUDLEY, P. O. Box 116, Atlantic City, N. J.

* * * * *

A steam-engine, for a single-barrel shot-gun in good order. The engine was bought only six months ago, and cost over ten dollars. It has been very little used, and is almost as good as new. It has a horizontal boiler six inches long, safety-valve, and water-gauge. It works well.

H. D., P. O. Box 54, Orange Valley, N. J.

* * * * *

Quinine bark, for foreign stamps.

E. W. A. DE LIMA, 36 East Fifty-seventh Street, New York City.

* * * * *

One hundred and ten stamps (all different) and a few duplicates, for a pair of roller skates. Also stamps and postmarks. Offers received for a scroll-saw.

EVERETT W. FRAZER, P. O. Box 257, Orange, N. J.

* * * * *

A scroll-sawed easel, with three hand-painted shells to fit it, for thirty-five stamps of St. Thomas, Mexico, Mauritius, San Marino, Portuguese Indies, and Porto Rico.

PAUL L. FORD, 97 Clarke Street, Brooklyn, N. Y.

* * * * *

Ten United States postmarks, for ten postmarks (no duplicates).

ANNIE T. JOHNSON, 319 University Avenue, Minneapolis, Minn.

* * * * *

Foreign stamps, for curiosities. Fifty stamps (no duplicates), for a genuine Indian arrow-head.

GRACIE KEELEN, 6 East Tenth Street, New York City.

* * * * *

Ten and twenty paras, and two-piaster Egyptian stamps, issue of 1879, stamps from Brazil, Mexico, and other countries, for equally good stamps or Indian arrow-heads.

Lock Box 42, Little Falls, Herkimer Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

Five United States stamps, for one foreign stamp. Sea-weed, for foreign stamps or petrifactions.

WILLIAM MITCHELL, 67 Fulton Street, Elizabethport, N. J.

* * * * *

Sixteen different numbers of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE for No. 1 of the same if in good condition for binding. No. 1 is included in the sixteen, but is worn so badly at the fold that it can not be bound.

WILLIE F. WOOLARD, Fairfield, Wayne Co., Ill.

* * * * *

Danish, German, Austrian, French, and United States stamps, for others of different kinds.

C. Q. GILL, 1055 Wilson Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio.

* * * * *

A collection of 150 minerals (about 75 different specimens), for a good second-hand magic lantern. Correspondents will please send a description of lantern, and they will receive in return a list of minerals, with a description.

BEN C. GRAHAM, 203 West Goodale Street, Columbus, Ohio.

* * * * *

Foreign stamps, for old coins.

NEIL GARRISON, Brookville, Jefferson Co., Penn.

* * * * *

Fifty postmarks, for a specimen of either gold, silver, copper, or iron ore, curiosities from the Mammoth Cave, or a piece of lava.

ELSIE M. SMITH, P. O. Box 1101, Iowa City, Iowa.

* * * * *

Three foreign stamps, for an African, Asiatic, Turkish, South American, or United States department stamp.

W. E. M., 16 North Carpenter Street, Chicago, Ill.

* * * * *

A Brazilian silk cocoon, or fossil or crystallized stone from Burlington, Iowa, for a perfect No. 8 of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE.

IVIE D. MILLER, P. O. Box 272, Oak Park, Ill.

* * * * *

Seven postmarks, for a stamp from Asia or Africa. Twelve postmarks, for a Cape of Good Hope stamp.

W. WILLARD, 2034 Diamond Street, Philadelphia, Penn.

* * * * *

American silk-worm eggs, for Indian relics or good fossils. An Indian hoe or stone hatchet especially desired. Those wishing to exchange will please send as soon as possible, and state how many eggs they wish.

FLETCHER M. NOE, 130 East New York Street, Indianapolis, Ind.

* * * * *

Twenty-five foreign stamps (no duplicates), or old issues United States stamps, for ten department stamps.

THOMAS NELSON, 1419 Taylor Street, San Francisco, Cal.

* * * * *

A New Testament in Italian (printed in 1808), in perfect condition. Correspondents will please make offers for exchange.

NEMO, P. O. Box 460, New York City.

* * * * *

Postmarks from nearly every part of the United States, also a variety of Internal Revenue stamps, for curiosities.

ONY PURDY, 205 Prince Street, New York City.

* * * * *

A Queensland, Hungarian, and South Australian stamp, for a Shanghai stamp.

E. PARCELLS, 162 South Ashland Avenue, Chicago, Ill.

* * * * *

Soil from the District of Columbia, for toy cannons or Indian relics.

EDDIE J. PRINDLE, Lock Box 73, Washington, D. C.

* * * * *

An Indian arrow-head, for a South American coin. A full set of Department of Interior stamps and fifteen foreign stamps, for a flying-eagle penny of 1856.

PRESSLY PATTERSON, Cambridge, Guernsey Co., Ohio.

* * * * *

Birch bark from Michigan, for Indian arrow-heads, or foreign stamps.

GEORGE RUSSELL, P. O. Box 116, Lockland, Ohio.

* * * * *

A stamp from Egypt, Finland, Russia, Roumania, Denmark, or Spain, for a stamp from Liberia, Central or South America, or United States State, Justice, or Agricultural Department. A stamp for a stamp.

B. A. RANDALL, 529 North Eighth Street, Philadelphia, Penn.

* * * * *

Ten foreign postage stamps (no duplicates), for a coin dated prior to 1830.

WILLIAM KRUMMEL, 167 Loth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.

* * * * *

A. A.--Zaleucus, about whose law or code you inquire, flourished in Magna Græcia about the middle of the seventh century B.C. He was a very celebrated lawgiver, and his code is believed to be the first collection of written laws which the Greeks possessed. Nothing is known concerning his private life or of his legislation except through very loose and uncertain tradition, but from this it would appear that his laws must have been more stringent than the famous "blue" laws of the Puritans. Journeys to foreign countries were strictly forbidden, as was also the use of unmixed wine. There was also a very hard condition imposed on any one who wanted to propose a new law, or to change or abolish an old one. According to tradition, such a person was compelled to make his proposal in the presence of an assembly called for the purpose of hearing him, and he stood there with a rope around his neck. If the assembly disapproved of his proposition, he was strangled on the spot. In this way Zaleucus, who probably thought that his code was perfect, no doubt believed that he could secure the permanence of his laws.

* * * * *

EDWARD H. P., AND OTHERS.--An advertisement of roller skates was printed on the last page of the cover to YOUNG PEOPLE No. 79, which will tell you where to address orders or send for catalogues. Roller skates can be used with safety on smooth pavements only; and children who use them on crowded streets must be very careful about running against people, especially in turning corners, in order to avoid accidents.

* * * * *

WALTER B. H.--Letters to the Post-office Box of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE are always welcome, and the privilege of sending them is not confined to subscribers to the paper.

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Correct answers to puzzles have been received from J. Minon, J. Reagan, C. Mullen, J. Foran, C. Gill, R. Smith, D. Nolan and Riley, Marcella Street Home, T. M. Armstrong, E. V. H. A., _Addie_ and _Arthur_, Jemima Berston, _Ray B._, Jessie B. Brown, Jacob Bonds, Courtney Chambers, A. E. Cressingham, G. W. C., Jun., and G. W. C., Sen., George F. C., Columbus, Georgia, E. A. Cartereau, "Cupid," Laura L. Deletombe, Ellis Engleman, "Fish-Hawk," Henry Gottlieb, F. W. Gauss, Herbert G. Hopkins, R. Hedges, Alice C. Hammond, William B. Hadley, Walter P. Hills, "_Lady Betty_," "_Lodestar_," W. A. Lewis, Bessie and Edith Nesbitt, "_Pepper_," Grace Palmer, "Quadrant," J. H. Rodgers, G. P. Salters, Alma T. Stacey, "Tel E. Graph," Mabel Thompson, _Howard J. Van Doren_, Claude Villier, Vesta and Annie, "Will A. Mette," L. and M. Williams, J. F. Wright, Willie F. Woolard.

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PUZZLES FROM YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS.

No. 1.

TWO HALF-SQUARES.

1. A species of grain. A characteristic of the tropics. To corrode. A preposition. In tray.

2. An animal. A metal. What every boy is. A preposition. In nail.

DAMON AND PYTHIAS.

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No. 2.

GEOGRAPHICAL WINE-GLASS.

A river in South America. A city in Egypt. A river in Italy. A group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean. A river in Austria. A city in Germany. A letter. A river in Switzerland. A peninsula in Asia. Centrals.--The name of a noted strait.

LADY BETTY.

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No. 3.

ENIGMA.

First in coffee, not in tea. Second in arm, but not in knee. Third in city, not in town. Fourth in coat, but not in gown. Fifth in kettle, not in pot. Sixth in house, but not in lot. Seventh in different, not in same. My whole a well-known out-door game.

G. P. S.

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No. 4.

DROP-LETTER PUZZLE.--(_To Owlet_).

A verse from a celebrated poem by an American poet:

I--t--e--o--l--'s--r--a--f--e--d--f--a--t--e, I--t--e--i--o--a--o--l--f--, B--n--t--i--e--u--b--r--v--n--a--t--e: B--a--e--o--n--h--s--r--f--.

QUADRANT.

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No, 5.

EASY NUMERICAL CHARADES.

1. I am composed of 14 letters, and am an institution of learning. My 8, 2, 3, 4, 12 is to cut. My 1, 5, 6, 14 is a small animal. My 8, 9, 10, 7 is never warm. My 11, 5, 13 is to loiter.

FRANK T. H.

2. I am composed of 10 letters, and am the product of trees. My 10, 5, 9, 4 is a Spanish coin. My 8, 7, 1 is the product of certain trees. My 6, 2, 3 is what my whole is made from.

PEPPER.

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ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN No. 79.

No. 1.

Peacock.

No. 2.

1. Bookworm. 2. Conflagration.

No. 3.

B A L E F R E D A R A L R A T E L A M B E T N A E L B E D E A R

P A L M H U G H A W A Y U G L Y L A S T G L U M M Y T H H Y M N

No. 4.

Dynamite.

No. 5.

1. April showers bring May flowers. 2. Mr. Stubbs.

HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE.

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HARPER & BROTHERS, Franklin Square, N. Y.

These jolly young people are Hessian, Who say, "Let us have a procession; And if 'Dress makes the man,' Let us do what we can To make a most pleasing impression."

THROWING A LIGHT.

BY E. M.

I am little, but powerful for both good and evil; in fact, I am one of the moving powers of the earth. Thousands of me can be contained in a small space, but I alone, of all my race, was famous and deserving of remembrance in history. I need a great deal of space to make even one of me; and as for history remembering me, I fulfill my purpose; my boundaries are torn down, no one would know I had ever existed, and indeed I am no loss. I can be replaced at the cost of a cent, some of me are worth many dollars, yet I require the outlay of time and strength rather than money. I was unique, a man both feared and loved, credited with being a trifle thrifty, yet one who did noble work, and my name is known wherever the English language is spoken. My master could not force me to comply with his wishes. I am nothing but dull earth, metal, or part of a bird; have no wishes, thoughts, or desires; yet a child or an invalid even can through means of me exert tremendous power.

I make or mar men's lives; I can't make or mar anything; I am only used as a sort of store-house; my precepts have weight to this day. I can be made to express anything--precepts worth remembering, and sayings that should never have had utterance. I am square or long, broad or narrow, pointed or dull; the bigger I am, the better; the smaller I am, the finer. I was of medium size, and used myself a great deal. I could not possibly use myself; am only a means, not an instrument; am neither means nor instrument--only exist. I died, and was regretted; yet can not die, not being animate. I was generally praised, though a late brilliant historian made very savage remarks about me; yet but for me that same brilliant historian would not have been. He probably never saw any of me in his life, yet I was his constant companion. Yellow, white, bronze, made of gold, silver, metal, and earth, yet I was, after all, a famous man, and the world's benefactor.

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=The Barrel Trap.=--This most ingenious device possesses great advantages in its capabilities of securing an almost unlimited number of rats in quick succession. It also takes care of itself, requires no re-baiting or setting after once put in working order, and is sure death to its prisoners. A water-tight barrel is the first thing required. Into this pour water to the depth of a foot. Next dampen a piece of very thick paper, and stretch it over the top of the barrel, tying it securely below the upper hoops. When the paper dries, it will become thoroughly flat and tightened. Its surface should then be strewn with bits of cheese, etc., and the barrel so placed that the rats may jump upon it from some neighboring surface. As soon as the bait is gone, a fresh supply should be spread on the paper, and the same operation repeated for several days, until the rats get accustomed to visit the place for their regular rations fearlessly and without suspicion. The bait should again be spread as before, and a few pieces of the cheese should be attached to the paper with gum. It is a good plan to smear parts of the paper with gum-arabic, sprinkling the bait upon it. When dry, cut a cross in the middle of the paper, and leave the barrel to take care of itself and the rats. The first one comes along, spies the tempting morsels, and with his accustomed confidence jumps upon the paper. He suddenly finds himself in the water at the bottom of the barrel, and the paper above has closed, and is ready to practice its deception on the next comer. There is not long to wait. A second victim soon tumbles in to keep company with the first. A third and a fourth soon follow, and a dozen or more are sometimes thus entrapped in a very short space of time. It is a most excellent and simple trap. By some it is considered an improvement to place in the bottom of the barrel a large stone, which shall project above the water sufficiently to offer a foot-hold for one rat. The first victim, of course, takes possession of this retreat, and on the precipitate arrival of the second, a contest ensues for its occupancy. The hubbub which follows is said to attract all the rats in the neighborhood to the spot, and many are thus captured.

CHARADE.

My first is as bad as my second, My second's as bad as can be; My whole is the most famous sailor That ever sailed over the sea.

End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Young People, May 24, 1881, by Various