CHAPTER IV.

"May-party day at last!" cried Susie, dancing gayly about her room. "School ended, and now for a splendid time to-day!" As she went toward the window the sweet June air was coming softly in, the birds, too, were singing, and unconsciously she found herself chanting, "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord." Then, stopping suddenly, "Why, that reminds me, I forgot to turn over to a new leaf in my _Silent Comforter_ before breakfast. Oh, surely it's the 20th, and I've come round again to that verse with 'In honor preferring one another' in it, which perplexed me so. How this month has flown! It seems at once the longest and shortest I remember. To think Florence is so changed a girl! Why, she really seems like one of the family, rushing in and out at all times, bringing or sending mamma flowers every day; and the girls all like her so well, and wouldn't need any urging _now_ to vote for her. Why, there she is this minute!" as a pretty phaeton stopped at the gate.

"Could the day be finer?" called Florence, as she tied the gray pony. "I thought I saw you drinking in this air, when I was at the turn in the road about half a mile off. Come, bring your hat and take a drive with me. I've something very important to tell you," and she opened the gate to take some rare flowers to Mrs. Kingman, who was sewing on the piazza, with the baby playing near her chair. Florence took the little one in her arms, begging it to say her name. "She can not get any farther than 'Flo,'" said Mrs. Kingman, putting aside her work to go and arrange her flowers.

"That's what my sister Bessie always calls me," said Florence, kissing the little one more tenderly.

"When are you going to show me the picture of that wonderful Bessie?" asked Susie, straightening out the daisies on her hat as they went slowly down the walk.

"I should have brought it over this morning if I hadn't something else on my mind to tell you."

A moment later the pretty pony was carrying the young girls along at an easy gait, pricking up his ears occasionally, as if to catch the drift of the gay chatter going on behind him.

"By-the-way," Florence was saying, "I found this scrap of paper on the floor this morning when I was over at school," handing it to her companion. "The girls were all clearing out their desks--"

But Susie had read the few pencilled words, and looked aghast: "_Vote for F. T. We're all going to. S. K. wishes it._"

The pony was walking leisurely along. Florence had dropped the reins; her arms were about Susie's neck. "To think I never suspected it!" she said, kissing her.

"I never wanted you to know," said Susie, "and if it hadn't been for Sadie's carelessness--"

"Oh, I'm glad I _do_ know--just as glad as can be, and I can never thank you enough."

"I don't deserve any thanks at all," protested Susie; "and if I did, I felt fully repaid when your uncle offered his grounds, and looked so kindly at--"

"Yes," said Florence, "and from that moment my life changed entirely. Oh, Susie, you can not imagine how lonesome I used to feel, for uncle seldom spoke to me, and I felt that I never could get used to so many strange faces, and I kept wishing myself back with Bessie. But no; our home was broken up. When papa died, mamma only lived a week longer, and after that, where were we to go? Mamma's sister Rebecca was with us at the time, and offered to take one of us, which was a great deal, for she has a large family of her own, and then she wrote to uncle to take the other. He chose me, because I was named after mamma, and I suppose he fancied I would look like her, whereas Bessie is her very image. Well, when I got here, uncle met me at the dépôt, asked one or two questions, and then we rode to Maplewood without another word. I was too homesick to talk. So things went on, one day exactly like another, with simply a Good-morning and Good-night to begin and end up the day. I often found money and other presents in my room, and, oh! how I longed to send each thing on to Bessie, but I really was afraid to ask if I could. But I must hurry on to the red-letter day of my life, the 20th of May. That day, at dinner, after the scene at school, uncle praised my high standing, and began to ask me about Bessie. I showed him her photograph, and he looked a long time at it, murmuring something about 'Florence of long ago,' and asked me if she didn't look a great deal like mamma. 'Everybody used to speak of the wonderful resemblance,' I answered. 'Well,' said he, 'we must have a larger picture of her.' And what do you think he has done? _Sent on to have Bessie's portrait painted_, and I'm to have it for my room."

"The tears are for joy," continued Florence, in answer to Susie's earnest, "Oh, this is enough! don't tell me any more."

"Uncle grew more and more kind. He seemed to enjoy planning for the May party, and you'll see this afternoon some of the arrangements he has made. It has given him something to think of, which Dr. Folger said yesterday was the best thing in the world for one of his melancholy disposition. Uncle has said again and again, 'I'm glad you take an interest in your studies; it pleases me greatly.' And, Susie, I know all this happiness would never have come to me unless the girls had voted for me that day as they did. I know they used to think me selfish, for one morning--"

"What! you heard what Sadie said?"

"Yes; but I've made up for it since, haven't I? For I haven't been alone once since the day uncle said, 'You can take whoever you choose when you go out.' By that time I had lost all fear, and kissed and thanked him. And so things have gone on, each day better than the last. Uncle handed me a telegram this morning, which read, 'The portrait is on the way'; so we expect it by the first express. Susie, I can never thank you--never, as long as I live; all I _can_ do is to tell you that, next to Bessie, I love you best of any one on earth."

There was a great lump in Susie's throat. She was crying softly, with her cheek against Florence's. At the gate Mrs. Kingman met them.

"Tell your mother all about it," called Florence, touching up the horse; and Susie did.

* * * * *

"To think it's all over!" said Susie, about seven o'clock that evening, as they were going down to supper. "Didn't Florence look lovely?"

"No lovelier than a certain maid of honor that crowned her," said papa, drawing Susie toward him.

"Well, didn't the Squire appear delighted?"

"Yes," said Mr. Kingman, "I think he was; but I doubt if he was as happy as I"--with a loving look at his little daughter--"for mamma had been telling me something."

"And you were glad?" she asked, nestling closer.

"Far more than to have seen you Queen"--kissing her. Then taking a spray of delicate green from a vase near by, "I will crown you myself;" and he tenderly twined it round her head.

But the day was not yet done. A sharp ring was heard soon after at the door, and Susie, on hearing Sadie's breathless "I must see Susie right away," darted into the hall.

"Have you heard?" gasped Sadie, handing her a note.

"No--what?" questioned Susie, in the same excited tone, grasping the paper, and pulling Sadie into the library. She turned up the light, which fell upon the words:

"Oh, Susie! the portrait has come, _and it's Bessie herself_! She has come to Maplewood _to live_. I'm the happiest girl on earth. Bessie says _she_ is, and we owe it all to God through _you_."

"_I_ am happier than either," said Susie, a great joy lighting up her face. "Isn't it like a story, Sadie?"

"Yes," said Sadie, excitedly. "I was there when she came. The Squire came to Florence's door and asked, 'Shall I bring in the portrait?' We looked around, and there stood Bessie. I shall never forget Florence's face as she rushed forward, nor the Squire's as he said, 'She has come to live with us, Florence.' The first I knew I was crying away as hard as could be, Florence was on her knees, the Squire had his arm round Bessie, and--and--"

"What next?" asked Susie, her face growing more and more bright as she listened.

"Oh, they're _so_ happy! When I came away, the Squire had an arm around each, and said, 'I've got two daughters now'; and they made a lovely picture. Nothing in the May party compared with it. Then Florence said, 'Won't you take this note to Susie, as you go by her house, and tell her how happy I am, if any words _can_ tell?' But how late it's getting! Good-by." Then, coming back: "I forgot to say they want you to come over the first thing in the morning. Florence told her uncle that it was through your unselfishness that she was made Queen, and she keeps saying she _owes Bessie to you_. I don't half understand it, but I know it was lovely in you to give up the honor;" and off she ran.

"I can hear the word _honor_ now, and not shut my ears to it," thought Susie; and with Florence's note in her hands, and papa's crown on her head, she murmured, "My cup runneth over."

THE END.

A FABLE FOR SMART LITTLE BOYS.

There was a little Hottentot Who wandered in a shady spot, Beside a sluggish river's brink, Where savage beasts came down to drink, When suddenly he ran across A monstrous, grim rhinoceros. The little blackamoor was pert, And not afraid of being hurt; So, without any hesitation, He entered into conversation, And, just to make his smartness clear, Began to ridicule and jeer:

"My gracious! what an ugly beast! Your skin is all begrimed and creased And what a nose for shape and size, With a great horn between the eyes!"

Whereat that big rhinoceros Just gave his nose a little toss, His funny little critic eyed With grim good-humor, and replied:

"My nose, young darky? take a look At yours, reflected in the brook: Now tell me what you think of _that_?"

"Mine? Why, 'twas beautifully flat When I was born; my mother's care To give me a distinguished air Has broadened it to what you see, And made my playmates envy me." "Yes, made you quite a beau! But hark 'ee, You most impertinent young darky, And let me tell you I was made With this huge form, and thus arrayed With a great horn upon my nose, To serve as warning to all those Who poke in other folks's platters, And make free with their neighbors' matters. I've half a mind--'twould serve you right-- To toss you fairly out of sight. I'm coming for you now! Here goes! Say, now, how do you like my nose?"

"Oh, don't, you dear, good, lovely beast! I didn't mean it in the least; You are the sweetest beast I know, And every one will tell you so."

"You little impudence! begone! Quick, or my nose shall help you on!"

That frightened little Hottentot Departed on a lively trot.

LYNN, NORTH CAROLINA.

I am nine years old. I have a little baby sister named Jeanne. We had to leave papa, and come here with mamma for her health. We have a little mule named Kit, that is very little and gentle, and we ride it nearly every day. Kit just suits these mountain roads. The mountains are very high and beautiful. A great many people come here with their little boys and girls, so I always have playmates.

We go fishing and riding. I have a garden of my own. I study part of the day, then I play, and have a good time. Strawberries are ripe now, and peaches will be ripe in June on the mountains in what they call the thermal belt, where the frost has not killed them as it has in other places this year.

Just now the mountains are covered with flowers. There are azalias, kalmias, rhododendrons, wild phlox, and other flowers, and many trees are blooming. Mamma says she never saw so many flowers in her life. When you look up the mountain from below, it looks like the made pyramids of flowers we have at home in the city, only so much bigger. I wish everybody could see. Papa sends me YOUNG PEOPLE, and I am delighted with it.

FRED J. T.

* * * * *

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

The other afternoon papa took my little sister Annie to Mr. Barnum's circus, and I want to tell YOUNG PEOPLE the joyful news she brought when she came home. She rushed into the house in great excitement, calling out: "Oh, mamma, mamma, Mr. Stubbs isn't dead, because Mr. Barnum has got him all safe and well! I saw him myself in a big wagon, and Toby Tyler was there talking with him." Annie has mourned bitterly over the sad death of the poor monkey, and since she went to the circus and saw him alive, she has been a much happier little girl. She says a dozen times a day: "I'm so glad Mr. Stubbs didn't die! I knew they couldn't be so _cooel_ as to let him die!" She tells everybody that comes to the house that Mr. Stubbs is alive, and that Mr. Barnum has got him all safe.

I don't know what we children would do without YOUNG PEOPLE. We can hardly wait for Tuesday night, when papa brings it home.

H. C. L.

* * * * *

BETHLEHEM, NEW YORK.

I want to tell YOUNG PEOPLE about my guinea-fowls. I wish all the little readers could see them. They have such lovely spotted feathers, and such cunning little heads, and they make such a funny, screeching noise that they frighten away the chicken-hawks. I wish I could send all the little girls some of their pretty feathers.

I am eleven years old, and my music teacher says I can play the piano very well.

I. L. K.

* * * * *

BURLINGTON, VERMONT.

I have an Excelsior printing-press. I have not had it very long, but I have earned a few dollars with it. My uncle has a printing-office, and three or four presses. I like to go and watch him print, and I like to print myself very much.

We have a summer-house on the shore of the lake, and a boat. We go there in the long vacation, and stay two or three months. I have a great deal of fun. I own a sail-boat about two feet long. It sails splendidly.

FRANK P. L.

* * * * *

MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA.

We take YOUNG PEOPLE in our school because the teacher says "it gives her ideas." We have lately organized a club in our school called the "Little Pitcher Club," so named, I suppose, because all its members are "little pitchers with big ears."

We are bound by our by-laws to relate once a fortnight some story or incident which we have heard or read, in a natural manner, and in our own language, and subject to the fiercest criticism from the rest of the class, who pounce upon us like little tigers as soon as we are done. It is great fun, I think. We have a fine large play-ground, and the School Board have kindly given us permission to lay it out in flower-beds, one for each room, and there are four in the building. Our room is going to try for the premium offered at our county fair for the best set of letters from any school in the county, and we get a good many ideas from the Post-office Box in your little paper. The teacher says some of the letters printed there are models of correct letter-writing, and she chooses one every week for us to study and copy. We hope you will print this letter. Your little friend

CARRIE A. (eight years).

* * * * *

BROOKLYN, E. D., NEW YORK.

A number of boys and girls, readers of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE, have corresponded with me about an object which no doubt would prove interesting and instructive to them. The object was, viz., a Natural History Society, composed of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE readers residing in all parts of the world where its welcome visits extend.

My idea is that an organization of this kind would prosper much better if it was taken up by the boys and girls themselves. So I leave it in their hands, and would request that if they are in favor of such an association, to send their ideas, suggestions, and questions to the Post-office Box.

CHARLES H. WILLIAMSON, President of the Young Chemists' Club.

* * * * *

LIMA, NEW YORK.

I was born in India. My father is a missionary there now. Two years ago he sent me here to my grandpa's, and I like it very much. I am nine years old. I have saved money enough to take YOUNG PEOPLE all myself.

HARRY L MCM.

* * * * *

I have no more arrow-heads to exchange, but I will exchange moss from the mountain cliffs, ore, periwinkles, and mussel shells from the river; or flints that will strike fire, for ocean shells, a piece of lava, or foreign postage stamps.

C. D. MANSFIELD, Merville, Powell Co., Ky.

* * * * *

I would like to exchange coins, minerals, stamps, shells, postmarks, woods, butterflies, and other curiosities, for foreign stamps. Please send stamps, and I will pick out what I wish, and return the others with curiosities equal in value to the stamps I keep.

FRANK B. ELDREDGE, P. O. Box 458, Attleboro, Mass.

* * * * *

We wish to notify correspondents that we have no more arrow-heads to exchange, and hope no one will send things requesting arrow-heads in return. We will now exchange lead ore, quartz, and flint, for other minerals and Indian relics.

JOHN L. and MINNIE SCOTT, P. O. Box 39, Frankfort, Franklin Co., Ky.

* * * * *

After the 1st of June I can make no more exchanges.

JULIE WICKHAM, 338 Lexington Avenue, New York City.

* * * * *

I have received three Chinese postage stamps from New York city, but as the sender did not give any name, I can not return specimens.

AMELIA FRINK, Marshall, Calhoun Co., Mich.

* * * * *

I have received some things from a boy in Beattie, Marshall County, Kansas, but he did not sign his name. I will send him his sulphurates as soon as he sends me his name.

GEORGE HAWES, 73 Gilbert Street, Bridgeport, Conn.

We have often endeavored to impress upon the minds of our young readers the importance of giving full name and address when writing a letter requiring an answer. Every day the Post-office Box receives letters requesting exchange, often concluding with, "Please, Mr. Editor, make room for this," and in their anxiety lest their letter be not printed, the boys and girls often forget to sign their request, and except for the postmark on the envelope, the editor would never know in what part of the world the careless little correspondent lived. Now there are a great many of you watching every paper for your exchange. You are sure you wrote it clearly, and in every number you see others asking for the same thing you asked for, so you know your exchange was not against the rules. You can not understand why it is not printed. It never will be printed, because you forgot to give your name and address; and if you wish to exchange your stamps or other things, you must write again, and be more careful than before.

* * * * *

I have no more arrow-heads, but I hope to have some soon, and will send them to correspondents who have written to me.

WILLIE G. WHITE, Yorkville, York Co., S. C.

* * * * *

Louis Treadwell, Redding, Connecticut, and Nat B. Blunt, New York city, withdraw their names from our exchange list, as they have no more specimens.

* * * * *

The following exchanges are offered by correspondents:

Rare foreign and United States postmarks, for rare coins or Indian relics.

CLINTON C. ANDREWS, Kirkwood, St. Louis Co., Mo.

* * * * *

Pink and mushroom coral, ivory nuts, three kinds of South-Sea beans, or Mexican, Western coast, and South-Sea shells, for shells. Only good specimens desired.

J. S. ARNHEIM, Drug Store, 248 Oak Street, San Francisco, Cal.

* * * * *

Postmarks.

CLARENCE L. AVERY, Herkimer, Herkimer Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

A Chinese coin, for twenty foreign stamps. A Japanese coin, for forty foreign stamps. A stone from Ohio, for one from any other State.

WILLIAM ALTER, P. O. Box 790, Kenton, Hardin Co., Ohio.

* * * * *

German, French Republic, Great Britain, Holland, Hong-Kong, India, or Roman States stamps, for a 90-cent United States, issue of 1851, a 30-cent due stamp, issue of 1879, a 1, 10, 12, 15, and 24 cent Interior Department, or a 1, 7, 10, 12, 24, 30, or 90 cent Navy Department.

J. C. STEWART, P. O. Box 64, Bound Brook, N. J.

* * * * *

Silver of the United States, for silver of any other country except Canada.

EDSON T. BOYD, P. O. Box 41, Harmony, Chautauqua Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

Some coins over a hundred years old, for other curiosities.

ED. BYNON, 37-1/2 Vickroy Street, Pittsburgh, Pa.

* * * * *

Stamps from India, for those of any other foreign country except South America.

LAURA M. BUCK, 634 Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa.

* * * * *

Four stones from the "Blue Juniata," for stones from any other river, and crystallized salt.

S. FRED BLYMYER, Lewistown, Mifflin Co., Pa.

* * * * *

A stone from Massachusetts, for one from any other State.

L. BROOKS, Care of Mr. P. C. Brooks, West Medford, Mass.

* * * * *

Pressed flowers and United States stamps, for curiosities. Correspondents will please write before sending any specimens.

IDY and JENNIE BATES, Peoria, Franklin Co., Kan.

* * * * *

Fifteen Indiana postmarks, for the same from any other State.

CHARLES BEEMER, Lock Box 398, Muncie, Delaware Co., Ind.

* * * * *

Five postmarks, for one stamp. Foreign stamps, for United States internal revenue stamps.

C. S. BROWN, Lock Box 406, Muncie, Delaware Co., Ind.

* * * * *

Postmarks.

HENRY M. DALAND, 440 Jefferson Avenue, Elizabeth, N. J.

* * * * *

A good ten-key accordion, for a good foot-power scroll-saw.

H. DAMM, Lancaster, Grant Co., Wis.

* * * * *

Butterflies, and other insects.

A. R. EVERETT, Sweetland, Nevada Co., Cal.

* * * * *

A piece of crystallized quartz, for a piece of copper, lead, or iron ore. A foreign stamp, for every five postmarks (no duplicates). Fifteen different foreign stamps, for any good curiosity.

EDWARD D. FOWLER, P. O. Box 51, Newburgh, Orange Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

Curiosities and foreign coins to exchange for old American coins.

G. H. HETZEL, Cumberland, Alleghany Co., Md.

* * * * *

Stamps, for ocean curiosities. A good collection of two hundred stamps (no duplicates), for a genuine Indian bow and arrow.

C. D. HAINES, 565 Seventeenth Street, Oakland, Cal.

* * * * *

Stamps, postmarks, and monograms, for curiosities.

FRANK HAINES, 54 West Fifty-seventh Street, New York City.

* * * * *

United States internal revenue stamps, for stamps from Cuba, Brazil, Mexico, China, Australia, or Cape of Good Hope.

M. MASSIE, 101 East Eighth Street, Covington, Ky.

* * * * *

An ounce of soil from Cook County, Illinois, for the same from any other State.

T. E. MORFORD, P. O. Box 32, Riverside, Cook Co., Ill.

* * * * *

Foreign postage stamps, for Indian arrow-heads.

FRANK C. MOTHERWELL, 247 South Sixth Street, Philadelphia, Penn.

* * * * *

Minerals, for silk scraps for a quilt.

FLAVEL MINES, P. O. Box 41, Kirkwood, St. Louis Co., Mo.

* * * * *

Iron ore from Missouri, coral, stones from the Atlantic coast, and a few petrified sharks' teeth, for stamps; Nova Scotia, Baden, Newfoundland, and United States department stamps especially desired.

L. W. MULLIKIN, Room 37, Hackettstown Ins., Hackettstown, N. J.

* * * * *

Florida shells, sulphur as it is dug, and stones and shells from Lake Ontario, for ocean curiosities, Indian relics, and ores.

ALBERT PFANS, care of William Schenck, 290 Washington Street, Newark, N. J.

* * * * *

Foreign stamps. Australian and Asiatic stamps especially desired. Correspondents will please send list of stamps before sending specimens.

HELEN POTTER, 1519 North Twenty-second St., Philadelphia, Penn.

* * * * *

Pine, birch, maple, and oak of different kinds, poplar, ash, wild cherry, and alder, for ocean shells and curiosities, postmarks, or other kinds of woods. New Hampshire granite or cobble-stones, for stones from any other State.

SCOTT E. SANBORN, 54 Pennacook Street, Manchester, N. H.

* * * * *

A very good stamp album, for a genuine Indian bow and arrow in good condition.

WALTER S. RUSSELL, Cooperstown, Otsego Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

A British stamp, for a Cape of Good Hope stamp.

ATTIE SUTTON, Bradford, Penn.

* * * * *

Five postmarks, for every ordinary foreign postage stamp; and ten postmarks, for every rare foreign stamp.

S. G. SMITH, Heckatoo, Lincoln Co., Ark.

* * * * *

Iron ore and sea-shells, for minerals.

G. W. STEVENS, 10 Broadway Street, Utica, N. Y.

* * * * *

A Russian stamp, for a three-cornered Cape of Good Hope. Five postmarks, for a Newfoundland or Turkish stamp.

ROBERT SHIELL, JUN., 39 Sibley Street, Detroit, Mich.

* * * * *

A piece of coral eleven inches high, for a stamp from Japan, Russia, or Liberia.

F. R. SATTERLEE, 56 West Seventeenth Street, New York City.

* * * * *

Ten postmarks, for one foreign stamp. Sand from Ohio, for the same from any other State or Territory.

E. STANDISH, 44 West University Street, Columbus, Ohio.

* * * * *

Mexican and State Department stamps, for stamps from Liberia, Prince Edward Island, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Feejee Islands, and Costa Rica.

M. U., P. O. Box 63, San Antonio, Texas.

* * * * *

Fifteen postmarks of any one State of the Union, for good curiosities.

J. M. VALERINOS, 388 Clifton Place, Brooklyn, E. D., N. Y.

* * * * *

A stone from Massachusetts, for one from any other State.

JOSEPH WELCH, 607 Broadway, South Boston, Mass.

* * * * *

A one-shilling English stamp, 5 and 25 centime French stamps, and 25-centime Swiss stamp, for other foreign stamps.

C. WILKINS, 228 South Fourth Street, Brooklyn, N. Y.

* * * * *

Rare seeds or bulbs, for postage stamps.

FRED A. WILSON, care of "American Grocer," 28 West Broadway, New York City.

* * * * *

Two sea-watches and four English stamps, for any foreign stamps except English.

JENNIE VOTER, Biddeford, Me.

* * * * *

Stamps and American and foreign coins.

CARL WHEELOCK, P. O. Box 421, Woonsocket, R. I.

* * * * *

Foreign stamps, or old issues of United States stamps, for the same, or for anything suitable for a museum.

R. WILSON, Norwalk, Huron Co., Ohio.

* * * * *

Twelve varieties of foreign stamps, for ten stamps from Japan, Ionian Isles, Liberia, Natal, Orange States, Parma, Paraguay, Poland, West Australia, or Bolivia.

GEORGIE C. WEISSERT, 193 Twelfth Street, Milwaukee, Wis.

* * * * *

English telegraph, old United States, and rare European stamps, for Mexican and South American stamps--a stamp for a stamp; also, relics from Niagara Falls, for relics from other places.

ROUNSVILLE WILDMAN, Niagara Falls, N. Y.

* * * * *

Rare old issues of United States stamps, for rare foreign stamps.

M. WILLIS, P. O. Box 208, Flushing, N. Y.

* * * * *

Pressed leaves and stones, for insects. Please pack specimens carefully in cotton.

KITTIE WEAVER, Mankato, Minn.

* * * * *

Sections of a shark's backbone, for fossils or petrifactions of any kind.

D. ALLEN WEBBER, Searsport, Waldo Co., Me.

* * * * *

Silver ore, for foreign postage stamps and postal cards.

J. E. WILLIAMS, 4 Harrison Street, New York City.

* * * * *

Two cancelled three and ten cent Treasury stamps, for any Asiatic, African, Australian, or South American stamp.

CARL WAGNER, 200 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Ga.

* * * * *

Ten foreign stamps, for one copper coin of any foreign country.

H. F. WELCH, St. Nicholas Hotel, New York City.

* * * * *

Postmarks, for curiosities of any kind. Soil of New York, for the same of any other State. White and red cedar, for other woods.

R. E. SUMNER, 468 Classon Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.

* * * * *

Trap-rock with mica in it, for an Indian arrow-head.

R. B. W., P. O. Box 51, Ridgewood, Bergen Co., N. J.

* * * * *

Foreign stamps, for Indian relics.

HARRY SULLIVAN, Indianapolis, Ind.

* * * * *

Postmarks, for insects.

WALTER S. STILLMAN, P. O. Box 966, Council Bluffs, Iowa.

* * * * *

Foreign stamps, for minerals, coins, Indian relics, or any kind of curiosities.

JOHN T., 14 Carver Street, Boston, Mass.

* * * * *

Stamps and sea-shells from Florida, for South American or Asiatic coins.

F. P. T., Okawville, Washington Co., Ill.

* * * * *

JOSEPH W.--There is an old tradition that the loadstone was discovered by a Greek shepherd on Mount Ida. His crook was tipped with iron, and on touching a large mass of rock with it, he was amazed and terrified to find it held fast, as if by invisible hands. The name of this shepherd was Magnes, and the word magnet is said by some to be derived from it. Others, with more probability, think that the word comes from a region of Lydia called Magnesia, where the loadstone was found in large quantities. This stone has the remarkable power of imparting its own property of attraction to hard iron or steel, without losing any of its power.

* * * * *

C. H. C.--Whistles may be made of willow, bass-wood (linden), or elder. The process is very simple: Take a smooth piece of willow or bass-wood branch, of fresh growth, and full of sap, about half an inch in diameter and three or four inches long. Trim the smaller end as shown in the diagram, and cut a circle through the bark near the larger end, and then loosen the bark between the cut and the smaller end by gently tapping it with a stick or the back of your knife. If you break or bruise it, your whistle will be spoiled. When the bark is thoroughly loosened, it will slip off with a gentle pull. Cut away the wood as indicated by the dotted lines of the diagram, and make a small incision in the bark just above where the inside slope of the wood begins. Moisten the wood, slip on the bark, and you have your whistle. To make a whistle out of elder, punch out the pith, plug up one end tightly, and leave an air-space on one side of the plug at the other end. Cut an air-hole, as in the willow whistle.

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R. V. C.--Horses are not used in crossing the great deserts of Africa, as they can not go without water, like the camel, which can take into its stomach at one time a supply for several days.

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O. W.--The phrase "passing-bell" originated in this way. In ancient times, when people were more superstitious than they are now, it was believed that bells which had been consecrated had the power to drive away evil spirits; and so, when any one was supposed to be dying, the church bell was rung to scare away the wicked demons which were supposed to be waiting at the foot of the bed, ready to seize the "passing" soul. Bells were also supposed to have the power of protecting buildings from lightning and storms of wind, and some bells were inscribed with verses describing their qualities. The following verses are found on some old bells in England:

"Men's death I tell by doleful knell. Lightning and thunder I break asunder. On Sabbath all to church I call. The sleepy head I raise from bed. The winds so fierce I do disperse. Man's cruel rage I do assuage."

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C. R. F.--You can obtain the numbers of YOUNG PEOPLE you specify.

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H. S.--Our word bead comes from the old Anglo-Saxon BEAD, or BEDE, which means a prayer, strings of beads being used to number prayers. Beads are made of many kinds of material--glass, amber, coral, wood, precious stones, gold, and other metals. They are largely manufactured in China, and every mandarin, when in full dress, wears a magnificent string of them. The beads used for dolls' eyes are mostly made at Birmingham, England.

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Correct answers to puzzles have been received from Jennie Bates, Gertie Childs, Maggie J. Callahan, _L. M. Fobes_, Lottie, "_Lodestar_," Flavel S. Mines, F. Nichols, "North Star," "Pepper," _Harry Phillips_, M. Parkinson, C. A. Quinn, "_Queen Bess_," Charlie A. Smith, "Tel E. Graph," "Wall and Thisbe."

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PUZZLES FROM YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS.

No. 1.

ENIGMA.

In canter, not in walk. In chatter, not in talk. In yarn, not in string. In music, not in sing. In winter, not in snow. In water, not in row. In muscle, not in might. In quarrel, not in fight. In church, not in people. In altar, not in steeple. My whole is a place of summer delight Where children learn to do what is right.

HELEN.

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No. 2.

FOUR EASY SQUARES.

1.--1. A couple. 2. A plant. 3. A small quantity. 4. To cut down.

2.--1. A token. 2. An island. 3. Joy. 4. Necessity.

3.--1. To bend. 2. A surface. 3. To peruse. 4. Small cushions.

TEL E. GRAPH.

4.--1. To wither. 2. Old. 3. An exploit. 4. A whirlpool.

GOODY TWO-SHOES.

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No. 3.

TRIPLE ENIGMA.

In scholar, not in learn. In mouse-ear, not in fern. In ringing, not in toll. In ladle, not in bowl. In tyranny, but not in kings. My whole comprises three sweet things.

DAME DURDEN.

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No. 4.

CHARADE--(_To Rip Van Winkle_).

In shady woods and sunny fields My first is often found. As lithe and fleet as any bird, Yet never leaves the ground.

Of life and death my second tells, Of sorrow and of mirth; It dwells with stately pomp, and by The simplest household hearth.

My whole, a graceful, modest flower, By lonely way-sides grows, And trembles on its slender stem With every wind that blows.

OWLET.

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ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN No. 80.

No. 1.

A C C E S S O R Y I N S U L A R A N G E R H A Y R A C T C H A N T C O R N I C E B L A M E L E S S

No. 2.

Hepatica.

No. 3.

_S_ T E E _L_ S _A_ V _O_ R L A _B_ _O_ R M _O_ U _L_ D _S_ T A V _E_

Sable, Lobos.

No. 4.

P R I S O N P R O F I T R E S I N R A V E N I S A R O V E N S I R F E N O N I N N T

No. 5.

Wiggles.

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Charade, on page 448--Horse-chestnut.

HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE.

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THE GREAT-GRANDFATHER OF CROQUET.

BY G. B. BARTLETT.

As summer dries up the moist paths and lawns, the boys are eager for new out-of-door games, and we will hunt for them, where most good things come from--in the distant past, the games of which are the new ones of to-day.

The boys of 1881 are advised to reproduce one of the first games ever played in merrie England, one in which kings and princes delighted to join, and in honor of which a celebrated avenue still retains its ancient name. Very little can be ascertained about this game and the manner of playing it, as the only authentic record which we can find consists of a picture of one of its balls and mallets in the Bodleian manuscripts. A hint has also been discovered in another book, from which we have gathered ideas enough to describe a game full of novelty and interest to both boys and girls, in addition to its deep historical and literary associations. From the form of the simple implements preserved in the picture, Pall Mall may certainly be considered as the ancestor of Croquet, for the idea of a ball driven by a mallet was doubtless derived from it.

The best mall for this game is a hard concrete or gravel walk seven feet in width and forty feet in length. Doubtless after this game becomes widely known through the great circulation of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE, malls for this purpose will be made on many pleasure-grounds; but it can be played on any lawn by inclosing a space with small posts, to which a line is fastened six inches from the ground, and ruling out all balls that roll outside of the boundary or pass under the line. When played on a path or avenue, the boundaries are marked by the grass or border on each side. Any number of players can join, each one being provided with one ball and mallet. The best ball for the purpose is the smallest size of those used in bowling-alleys, made of hard heavy wood, four inches in diameter. Each player must be able to identify his ball at once among a crowd, for which purpose each should be marked with a spot of different color. The mallet must be made of oak, with a head nine inches long and four inches thick, through which a very strong handle is securely fastened, projecting three feet at least. It is well to have the handles of these mallets of various lengths, to accommodate tall or short players, as the ball should be hit without stooping, and on the run.

Upon the mall lines are made with white lime, flour, or plaster; one for the starting-point, one in the centre, one at the goal, and one six feet from the starting-point. All these lines cross the mall, excepting the one six feet from the start, which is a circle four feet across, made by fastening a string to a post, and drawing a ring on the ground with another stick tied to the post by a string two feet long, and marking the circle thus made with plaster. The goal is a small board, with a peg eighteen inches long at the middle of the lower edge, by which it is driven into the ground. At equal distances from this peg arches are cut in the goal six inches high and five inches wide, and just over the peg a circle of the same size as the ball is made with white chalk.

As the first stroke is important, it is determined by placing all the balls on the circle in front of the starting-place, and allowing each player to knock his ball; and the one whose ball goes farthest along the mall has the precedence, and the next one in order has the second choice. These two players then choose sides in turn, and direct the game. The object is to hit the white circle of the goal, with the fewest strokes, without sending the ball outside of the mall. Any player who sends his own ball or that of an adversary off the mall before it reaches the centre line causes that ball to be out of the game. Any ball knocked off the mall, after passing the centre line, may return once only to the starting-point for a second trial. Any ball sent through either of the arches in the goal, before hitting the white ring, is out of the game. Players who have passed the centre line may knock either way, but before reaching the centre must always play toward it.

When a player has hit the circle on the goal, without being hit, he can, if he prefers, let his ball remain, and play against the others, or remove his ball to count on his side; but if not taken off, his ball is equally liable with the others to be knocked off the mall or through the arch, in which case it is out of the game.

A player who clears the centre line at one knock can play again, and if he hits the circle with one knock more, his side wins the game. Great judgment is thus required in the force applied to each stroke, especially when many balls are in the mall, as the player runs the risk of knocking off friends and adversaries alike. To gain force for the blow each has the choice of running along the mall from the starting-point. The side wins which hits the centre ring first with the most balls, as it seldom happens that more than three balls reach the goal without going through it or being knocked off the mall. The contest grows hot around the goal, as many players send their own balls off the mall in their eager efforts to knock away those of their adversaries, and the game is at an end only when every ball has hit the circle or is out of the game either by going through the goal or off the mall, as after passing the centre line one may play toward the goal or against any ball in either direction.

End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Young People, May 31, 1881, by Various