Chapter 4

I am sick in bed, and have been for almost ten weeks. If my cough would get better, then I would get strong again. I am nine years old. I can read and write, and play little tunes on the piano. I fear the other little girls will get ahead of me now.

I wish "Wee Tot," or any of the little readers, would send me some ocean curiosities or quartz crystals for pressed leaves and ferns gathered on Round Top. My pet canary died last week.

NERVA WIBLE, Care of J. Ed. Wible, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

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I have a nice collection of curiosities, and would like to exchange with any correspondent for sea-shells or other curiosities. I have iron ore, soft gypsum crystals, stalactites, stalagmites, pretty pebbles, different kinds of limestone, pressed ferns, and other things. In sending specimens, correspondents will please mark each plainly with the name and the locality where it was found.

A few days ago I got my hand mashed in a cider mill, and can not use it now. My brother is writing this letter for me.

HARRY R. BARTLETT, Greensburg, Green County, Kentucky.

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I would like to exchange curiosities and stuffed birds with any correspondent of YOUNG PEOPLE.

C. H. MATHIAS, Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada.

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I have taken every number of YOUNG PEOPLE since it was published, and I think it is just splendid.

I am gathering specimens and curiosities, and would be glad to exchange with any one.

CHARLIE LEADBETTER, 174 Plum Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.

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I have a printing-press and a small breech-loading shot-gun that father made for me. I had a cat named Bill, but he is dead. He would jump over my arms, and stand up on his hind-feet and kiss me, and sit up in the corner.

I like the story of "The Moral Pirates" best of all. I and some other boys are planning to go off on a cruise next summer.

I have a lot of foreign stamps which I would like to exchange for Indian arrow-heads or Indian relics. I am eleven years old.

BERTIE HARRISON, Berlin Heights, Erie County, Ohio.

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I am just beginning a collection of curiosities, and would like to exchange with some of the correspondents.

I have one brother. We live near a pond. Our pet kitten is very fond of fish; and I go out in a row-boat and catch minnows for it. I tie mussels on a string, and the minnows bite the bait and hold fast. I caught two large minnows with a string alone.

JESSIE A. BROWN, South Norwalk, Connecticut.

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I should like to exchange birds' eggs with any correspondent of YOUNG PEOPLE. I have eggs of the following birds: hedge, song, house, and chipping sparrow, bluebird, swallow, brown and red thrush, peewit, woodpecker, meadow-lark, cat-bird, pigeon, turtle-dove, ring-dove, and cardinal-grosbeak.

R. D. BRITTON, Wyoming, Ohio.

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I would like to exchange postage stamps, minerals, shells, and Indian arrow-heads for stamps, pressed sea-weeds, or birds' eggs. The shells are labelled with their scientific names.

E. G. W., P. O. Box 487, Binghamton, New York.

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We would request all correspondents not to send us long lists of stamps, eggs, and other things, as they occupy too much space in the Post-office Department. It is much better for them to prepare their lists neatly, and have them ready to send to those who write to them for exchange, after their request has been published in YOUNG PEOPLE.

We are compelled to condense the requests for exchange from the following correspondents:

Postage stamps and birds' eggs for postage stamps.

WILLIAM S. ALDRICH, Freeport, Cumberland County, Maine.

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Postage stamps, postmarks, and Indian relics for postage stamps.

A. S. BARRETT, Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana.

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Postage, Treasury, and revenue stamps for others.

HANDY DANIEL, Fredonia, Chautauqua County, New York.

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Postage stamps and postmarks for postage stamps.

JOHN A. WOLFF, 92 Second Street, Albany, New York.

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Foreign and United States postage stamps for others.

W. C. V. CHADWICK, 44 St. George Street, Toronto, Canada.

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MABEL.--The recipes you wish are in YOUNG PEOPLE Nos. 24 and 28.--A good method for varnishing leaves is described by Edith L. in Post-office Box No. 38.

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W. DE VEAU.--The different species of the order _Chelonia_, to which turtles and tortoises belong, are distinguished mainly by the limbs. The common fresh-water turtles have distinct toes, which are webbed and provided with long nails. They are easy and powerful swimmers, but are very helpless on land. They feed upon all kinds of aquatic worms and insects. The tortoises, or land turtles, have short clubbed feet adapted for travelling on the ground, and stout, short claws. They feed upon roots, vegetables, fruit, and small bugs and flies. Their upper shell is more rounded than that of the water turtle. They are capable of swimming, but seldom enter the water.

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W. S. B.--Alaric the Goth was proclaimed King of the Visigoths about A.D. 400. He was a bold and artful warrior, and under his leadership the Goths ravaged Greece, and entered Athens. He afterward determined to invade Italy, and after numerous repulses and misfortunes his armies succeeded in entering Rome in 410, eleven hundred and sixty-three years after the foundation of the city, which for six hundred years previous to the Gothic conquest had remained unviolated by the presence of any foreign enemy. Alaric, who had already embraced Christianity, showed much moderation in his treatment of the vanquished city, and after a short occupation he retired his troops, and proceeded to ravage Southern Italy. He was about to invade Sicily, and form an expedition to Africa, when his death, after a short illness, put an end to his conquests. His army, anxious to conceal his death, and even his burial-place, from the enemy, employed a band of captives to divert the course of the Busento, a small river which washes the walls of Cozenza, an ancient fortified town, and secretly at night a grave was dug in the river-bed, and the body of the dead chieftain was buried. The waters of the Busento were then turned back, and underneath the peaceful river the grave of the warlike Goth was securely concealed. His death occurred in 410, only a few months after his triumphal entry into Rome.

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GERTRUDE C.--Your letter is very gratifying, and we are sorry we can not accede to your request, but the article in question would occupy too large a space in YOUNG PEOPLE.

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Favors are acknowledged from Hamilton W., Willie C. Bartlett, Isabelle Van Brunt, M. L. Hannam, Macy Walcutt, C. F. Moses.

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Correct answers to puzzles are received from Ida Belle Diserens, A. H. Ellard, Mary R. De La Mater, Harvey B. Ridgway, Miss N. J. Tiddy, Nella Coover, N. Bumpus, Clarence J. Washington, W. S. Ferguson, May Wells, H. A. Bent.

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PUZZLES FROM YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS.

No. 1.

ACROSTIC.

Place the names of five trees in such order that their initials read downward spell the name of another tree.

BOLUS.

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No. 2.

UNITED DIAMONDS.

1. In Nebraska. An insect. A fluid. At a distance. In Nevada.

2. In Idaho. A graceful animal. An animal often trained for a special purpose. The limit. In Colorado. Centrals of diamonds read across spell the name of a savage beast.

OWLET.

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No. 3.

WORD SQUARES.

1. First, a character in mythology. Second, ascended. Third, a body of land. Fourth, a prophet.

S. F. W.

2. First, lineage. Second, sour. Third, to quote. Fourth, a garden.

KATIE.

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No. 4.

ENIGMA.

My first is in lily, but not in white. My second in sleep, but not in night. My third is in man, but not in beast. My fourth is in sorrow, but not in feast. My fifth is in no, but not in yes. My whole is a fruit which you must guess.

MATTIE.

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No. 5.

HOUR-GLASS PUZZLE.

An associate. A ravine. A reward. In Lexington. Devoured. One of a certain sect of philosophers. A boy's name. Centrals read downward spell the name of a celebrated battle.

ZELOTES.

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ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN NO. 48.

No. 1.

P I S A Y A C H T I S A R A B H O R S A C O C H A S E A R O N H O S T S T R E S S

No. 2.

N S D I S W H O N I G H T-S H A D E S H E O D D T E

No. 3.

Cornwallis, Washington.

No. 4.

1. Ava, Orfah, Jiddah, Riad, Pekin, Surat, Omsk. 2. Exeter, Alabama, Paraná, Caracas, Panama.

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WIGGLES.

For the benefit of those who have not read the original article on "Wiggles," we would say that the Wiggle is a line that may be turned into a picture by having other lines added to it. For example, take the new Wiggle, No. 15, given in this Number. Trace it carefully, so as to preserve the _exact_ outlines, and then see what you can make of it. Add to it as much as you please, but do not change the original line. Send answers as promptly as possible.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

COLUMBIA BICYCLE.

Bicycle riding is the best as well as the healthiest of out-door sports; is easily learned and never forgotten. Send 3c. stamp for 24-page Illustrated Catalogue, containing Price-Lists and full information.

THE POPE MFG. CO.,

79 Summer St., Boston, Mass.

_Notice._

Now is the Time to Subscribe.

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Within a year of its first appearance HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE has secured a leading place among the periodicals designed for juvenile readers. The object of those who have the paper in charge is to provide for boys and girls from the age of six to sixteen a weekly treat in the way of entertaining stories, poems, historical sketches, and other attractive reading matter, with profuse and beautiful illustrations.

The conductors of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE proceed upon the theory that it is not necessary, in order to engage the attention of youthful minds, to fill its pages with exaggerated and sensational stories, to make heroes of criminals, or throw the glamour of romance over bloody deeds. Their design is to make the spirit and influence of the paper harmonize with the moral atmosphere which pervades every cultivated Christian household. The lessons taught are those which all parents who desire the welfare of their children would wish to see inculcated. HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE aims to do this by combining the best literary and artistic talent, so that fiction shall appear in bright and innocent colors, sober facts assume such a holiday dress as to be no longer dry or dull, and mental exercise, in the solution of puzzles, problems, and other devices, become a delight.

The cordial approval extended to HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE by the intelligent and exacting audience for whose special benefit it was projected shows that its conductors have not miscalculated the requirements of juvenile periodical literature. The paper has attained a wide circulation in the United States, Canada, Europe, the West Indies, and South America. The "Post-office Box," the most complete department of the kind ever attempted, contains letters from almost every quarter of the globe, and not only serves to bring the boys and girls of different states and countries into pleasant acquaintance, but, through its exchanges and answers to questions, to extend their knowledge and quicken their intelligence.

The Bound Volume for 1880 has been gotten up in the most attractive manner, the cover being embellished with a tasteful and appropriate design. It will be one of the most handsome, entertaining, and useful books for boys and girls published for the ensuing holidays.

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TERMS.

FOUR CENTS a Number. SINGLE SUBSCRIPTIONS for one year, $1.50 each; FIVE SUBSCRIPTIONS, one year, $7--payable in advance: postage free. Subscriptions will be commenced with the Number current at the time of receipt of order, except in cases where the subscribers otherwise direct.

The Second Volume will begin with No. 53, to be issued November 2, 1880. Subscriptions should be sent in before that date, or as early as possible thereafter.

The Bound Volume for 1880, containing the first fifty-two Numbers, will be ready early in November. Price $3, postage prepaid. The cover for YOUNG PEOPLE for 1880 is now ready. Price 35 cents; postage 13 cents additional.

Remittances should be made by _Post-office Money Order or Draft_, to avoid risk of loss.

Address HARPER & BROTHERS, FRANKLIN SQUARE, NEW YORK.

The following names are of those who sent answers to Wiggle No. 14:

G. B. Dimmick, Willie R. Perkins, G. C. Meyer, Mary A. Hale, H. M. P., Hudson Taylor, Wee Tot, M. Prall Grant, Eddie Hunter, Cloyd D. Browns, Alice Rhawn, Arthur L. Bumpus, Robert M., S. J. G., B. R. Howell, Edith Bidwell, E. C. K., C. F. Peck, Jun., James L. Busbee, Catharine, S. C. Register, Dimple McCrea, Irish Stew, George Broomhall, Bernie Wurriochke, F. R. Powley, Robert G. Bidwell, W. H. Western, D. C. Hick, H. Jacobs, Isabel Jacobs, Julia Maude Sickels, May Rickerson, Wiggle Maker, A. H. Addington, Bessie B. Anderson, Horace F. Ames, Everett C. Fay, Bront Smith, L. D. H., Glen Hughes, S. Knight Satterlee, William McClellands, George McClellands, John A. Tompkins, Herbert Fusselle, Effie Meacham, Jasper Bines, Sol. Jacobs, J. L. Bushnell, Hal, M. F. Krum, Fannie Hartwell, M. E. Farrell, Hebe, Tom, C. S. W., D. Brookmire, Vinnie J., S. F. Rupert, Sol, C. L. McL., Gid, A. J. D., Marvin Burt, Charles D. Rhodes, Theresa Morro, Toots, Frank Ostrandes, Matilda R. Bowie, Jennie Stille, E. W. L., V. L. Seche, Alfred Hossler, Robert Andrews, Jun., C. L. Hooper, Dudley Willinnes, George Oakley, Rosa Kent Gregory, Jun., M. E. B., S. McL., John McK. Burno, Charles N. Hoar, F. Uhlenhaut, C. W. P., Mark Manley, Eddie S. Hequembourg, Goldie Williams, H. W. Smith, Donna Aline, Eva Prichard, John White, Myrtle Lake, Fredy Leser, Edwin Preston, A. S., W. S., E. S., F. B., Mary Green, J. N. Howe, O. A. Mueller, E. J. B., Walter Plumb, Pet Bowman, Nattie L. Francis, Charley B. Hall, Katie Hall, R. L. Hall, Jun., H. L. Easton, Bessie Linn, Georgie Linn, Eliza B. Bartlett, Harry R. Bartlett, John H. Bartlett, Jun., Eddie Bartlett, William O. Brackett, Pearl Hare.

End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Young People, October 19, 1880, by Various