Chapter II: Part 2

He stopped, and Margery looked at him with dazed and startled eyes. As gently as he could he told her how, two hours before, the drowned body of a little fair-haired boy had been swept by the torrent past the windows of the manor farm. Every effort had been made to bring back some spark of life, but it was too late. Struggling alone through the night in the great waters, the child's slight strength had long since given out, and the waves tossed their light burden hither and thither in cruel sport. He had striven with all his might, for his sisters' sake, and he had rescued them; for when the little dead body was recognized, all remembered the helpless family in the cottage cut off from any assistance, and a boat was sent out instantly for those who might still be alive. Here they were, just in time, and Margery and her little sister were that day restored safe and well to their mother's arms.

And long years after, when children of her own gathered around her knee, Margery would tell them on each All-hallow-eve the story of that dreadful night, and of their brave little uncle Rupert, who with boyish courage had risked and lost his life to save the sisters committed to his care.

ANECDOTES OF COUNTRY LIFE.

We once had a piping bullfinch that was given to my mother as a birthday present. Bully was very tame, and used to fly about the room every morning, settling now and then upon somebody's head; but he loved his mistress much more than any one else, and was never so happy as when perched on her shoulder, piping his little song, or pecking seeds from her lips. He once showed his love for her in a very pretty way. She had spent several days away from home, which made poor Bully very dull and sad, and returning late one evening, long after children and birds had shut their eyes for the night, went into the room, and spoke to him. Bully woke up, and was so delighted at the sight of his mistress that he at once began piping his tune in joyful welcome to her. The poor little bird had a sad end. It is, I believe, a well-known fact that bullfinches often die of grief or jealousy, but we did not know it at the time; and when we had the large cage of birds, our pretty bright Bully was put into it. He was so much vexed at seeing them share his mistress's attention that he sickened and died in a few days.

One summer we noticed that regularly every morning when the dining-room window was open, a small wasp used to fly in, generally with something in its mouth, and settle on the writing-table. On the side of the table nearest the window there were only sham drawers; but they had key-holes, and into one of them the wasp always crawled, coming out again in a few minutes, and flying away. But it was sure to come back several times, and occupy itself very busily in the hole. In a few days a little white wall gradually rose up in front of the opening, and at last quite closed it, as though it had been built up with a fine cement. About the same time several other key-holes in different parts of the house were closed in this manner, and that so effectually, that no key could be introduced into them. We once opened one with a sharp-pointed instrument, and found inside some fat green caterpillars. The wasp had laid its eggs inside the little house, and imprisoned the caterpillars to serve as food for its young ones as soon as they were hatched. We often wondered how the caterpillars lived so long, when there was apparently no food provided for them. But I have since read in some book of natural history that the wasp, when carrying them by their necks to their prison, sends them into a kind of stupor, which, fortunately for themselves, lasts until the end of their lives.

WINDOW GARDENING.

BY A. W. ROBERTS.

A window containing a collection of healthy and blooming plants stamps the owner as one possessing refined tastes and a kind disposition, together with a love for all that is beautiful in nature. Window boxes ornamented with English or American tiles, and lined inside with zinc, are too costly for the size of young people's pockets. Besides, there does not begin to be as much fun in a "store" window box as is contained in one made at home with the assistance of father or big brother.

A well-made window box for the cultivation of plants during the winter and summer months will last a number of years with ordinary care.

Fig. 1 represents a home-made window box when completed. The box consists of well-seasoned one-inch white pine thoroughly nailed together. At one end of the box (A) a hole is bored to allow all surplus water to drain off and into the pan, also shown at A. To prevent the water and moisture contained in the soil from rotting and warping the wood-work, several coats of hot asphalt are applied with an old paint-brush--asphalt varnish will also answer--thus closing up all possible leaks, and thoroughly protecting the wood-work. There is no rule for the proportion of window boxes; the requirements of the plants used and the widths of windows and sills govern the proportion of the boxes. If the windows intended for boxes are very wide, braces of wood should be fastened across the tops and bottoms of the boxes to strengthen them, and extra feet nailed on to support them.

All boxes as well as flower-pots containing growing plants should have a thorough "bottom drainage." This is accomplished by placing on the bottom of the box a layer of broken earthenware or old bones broken into small pieces. The bones answer a double purpose, that of drainage and a supply of plant food (ammonia, etc.).

Fig. 2 is a spruce-wood panel. A square is first drawn on the outside of the window box; this square is painted a light green, to contrast with the brown of the spruce twigs. After the paint has dried, the guide lines are ruled from corner to corner through the centre. Small twigs of dried spruce-wood of a uniform thickness (about that of a lead-pencil) are selected. If the leaves do not fall off readily, the twigs are placed in an oven and thoroughly dried, so that they fall off at the slightest touch. The twigs are bevelled at the ends, as shown in the engraving. In the centre of the panel is nailed a square of wood equal in thickness to the spruce-wood twigs. This square is painted white, and is also ornamented with spruce twigs and the small cones of the spruce, the intention being to produce an elevated centre to the panel. The spruce twigs are firmly fastened with small brads. Over all two or three coats of furniture varnish are applied to develop the rich colors of the spruce-wood, as well as to protect it from outside moisture.

Fig. 3 is a cone panel. The outer border is composed of the burrs of the liquid-amber tree ("alligator-wood"), with corners of pine cones. The next line consists of a band of spruce branches with the cones attached. The centre is a sheet of white-birch bark, with hemlock cone corners. The ground consists of two coats of paint of a cream-white tint. The cones are fastened on with small brads, or pins that have been shortened to a convenient length.

Fig. 4 is a tasteful grape-vine panel. The canes are first softened in boiling water or steam to make them pliable for bending into curves. The shorter curved branches consist of short sections neatly joined to the leading curves. The centre is composed of a frame-work of liquid-amber wood, with grape-vine monogram or other device. The grain of the white pine when brought out with the varnish answers for a groundwork.

Fig. 5 is a panel covered with marbled oil-cloth (such as is used for covering tables and desks) of a light tint. It is first cut exactly the size of the panel, on which it is glued, the edges being secured by nailing on to them narrow strips of floor oil-cloth of a checkered or vine pattern. The corner pieces and centre consist of simple and neat patterns in oil-cloth, but rich in contrasts of colors. Brilliant oil-colors can be used for borderings and framing in lines; intense blacks, reds, and whites are best. Over all, a coat of varnish is applied. In Fig. 6, the materials consist of "clinkers," or slag, from furnaces, stoves, glass-house furnaces, and iron foundries. These are fastened to the wood-work of the box by means of hot asphalt.

The corner-pieces in the illustration are composed of clinkers of a light color. The central group consists of vitrified clinkers from an iron foundry or glass-house. The handsomest clinkers are to be obtained from glass-houses, as they are composed of more or less glass of different colors.

After the groups of clinkers are firmly fastened in position, a coating consisting of varnish, mixed with any of the chrome greens is applied to all parts of the exposed wood-work. The clinkers look much more brilliant when touched up here and there with gold or copper bronze. This is accomplished by applying varnish to the clinkers, which before it dries, touch on the bronze with a clabber of cotton or wool.

Fig. 7 consists of cross sections of various kinds of woods, which are well seasoned previous to being glued together.

Straight branches of red cedar, black walnut, red birch, etc., etc., are selected; these are cut into uniform lengths, and tightly bound together with strong cord or wire, after which a sufficient quantity of _very_ hot glue is poured on one end of the bundle to fill up all the spaces and join the branches together. After the glue has become dry and hard, the bundle is sawn into cross sections of one-half inch thickness.

These cross sections are smoothed down with emery paper and sawn into strips, which are glued on to the window box when forming the panel. The centre of the panel is composed of various kinds of woods, polished to bring out the grain, after which they are inlaid, the spaces between being filled in with glue. Over all, several coats of varnish are applied.

A handsome panel may be made of plaster of Paris. On a sheet of wrapping paper, exactly the size of the panel, draw the design to be worked in plaster.

In mixing the plaster a solution of glue and water is used; the glue is for the purpose of delaying the setting of the plaster, in order to gain time to trim up the plaster when necessary. To the glue and water is added the coloring material. A small quantity of plaster is mixed with the glue water at a time, to the consistency of a thick paste. The plaster is urged from the point of the spoon with which it is applied with a pointed stick that has been thoroughly oiled to prevent the plaster from adhering to it. Some practice is required to guide the plaster so as to keep it within the outlines of the drawing. Another way is to make a coil or cornucopia of stout, well-glazed, and thoroughly greased writing-paper, made small at the point. A quantity of the plaster is placed in the coil, and by gently squeezing the top of the horn a continuous stream is forced out; this may, by moving the horn in straight or curved lines, be made to fill in any pattern drawn. After the plaster patterns have thoroughly dried they are glued in position in the window box and well varnished.

NORWALK, CONNECTICUT.

When I was in Palatka, Florida, last winter, my mamma wrote a
letter for me, which was published in YOUNG PEOPLE. I have always
been very much pleased and interested by the children's letters,
and have begged mamma to write again for me.

So many have written of their little pets, I want to tell of our
little pet robin. It fell from the nest when very small, and we
thought it would die; but my auntie made a nest for it in a basket,
and fed it often with meal and water, and it grew to be quite tame,
and when big enough would eat worms, taking them down whole, until
it could hold no more. It would fly across the room, and alight on
my auntie's thumb, and stand quietly if she was paring fruit. We
were all very much attached to it, and were hoping to be able to
have it when a full-grown pet; but one day it flew over a kettle on
the stove, and the steam scalded it, though how badly we did not
know until it died a week later. We buried it in a little box, and
really felt very lonely without it. I now have a pretty Maltese
kitten, which, like several other readers of YOUNG PEOPLE, I have
named Toby.

BERTHA S.

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MONTICELLO, ILLINOIS.

I was visiting in Chicago this fall. I went to the Exposition, and
at night I attended the Grand Opera, and saw the electric light. I
went to Lincoln Park, and saw a petrified alligator lying on the
bank of a pond, with its mouth wide open, and I kept close to mamma
till the lady we were with said it was dead. There were two live
alligators in the same pond, but they were small ones. I saw a live
buffalo. There were some swans there, and I poked my parasol at
one, and it ran at me. I saw some panthers and bears, and two
sea-lions, which would stick their heads up out of the water, and
bark like dogs. A gentleman was pointing at something in the water,
and a sea-lion, being hungry, thought he was going to feed it, and
it jumped almost out of the water. I went to visit the greenhouse,
and there was a parrot which would talk, and a whole cage full of
other kinds of birds. I talked to the parrot, and said, "Robin,"
and it repeated the word after me. Not long ago I saw a letter
signed Lena W., and as I have sent two other letters which have not
been published, I thought it was my own name until I read the
letter. I am ten years old.

LENA W.

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NEUCHÂTEL, SWITZERLAND.

There is a very large museum here that was founded by Agassiz. One
room is entirely devoted to the fauna of Neuchâtel. Among the
animals is a beautiful flamingo, and a very huge wolf and a very
small bear. There used to be people here who lived in houses that
were built on piles driven into the lake.

A few years ago Lake Neuchâtel was lowered seven feet, and many
remains of the lake-dwellers were found. Among them was a boat,
supposed to have been used by them. Everything that was wooden when
found had turned black, and glistened just like tar.

My sister and I have some Alpine flowers that we would like to
exchange for pressed flowers from the Southern, Northern, or very
far Western States, but not from Illinois.

Please write before sending, and state whether you want them on
cards or not. We do not want ours on cards.

Pressed ferns and small autumn leaves desired, and also maiden-hair
ferns.

KENNETH BROWN,
Care Messrs. Munroe & Co.,
No. 7 Rue Scribe, Paris, France.

* * * * *

The following two letters are in direct contrast with each other, and are illustrations of the different experiences of exchangers.

SENECA, KANSAS.

I wonder if all the boys who patronize the "exchange" column have
had the experience I have. I advertised to exchange some pictures I
had for stamps, and received about sixty letters. I could exchange
with only one, and to the rest I have written, and sent their
stamps back. Those six stamps have cost me about two dollars. I
think hereafter I will buy what stamps I want. I hope I shall not
receive any more stamps.

I enjoy the YOUNG PEOPLE very much. My papa is a printer, and I
have learned to set type. We have fine times going out in the woods
after wild plums and grapes.

PAUL WILKINSON.

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CENTRE, ALABAMA.

I have been taking YOUNG PEOPLE two years. I like it very much. I
wait for its coming eagerly every week. There are so many pleasant
things with which it is associated. Last spring you published a
note from me desiring to exchange. That little note has given me
many pleasant moments--I had nearly said pleasant acquaintances. It
brought me many letters, from every part of the country. I have
answered all, I think. I have yet some quartz crystals, country
postmarks in Southern States, strange rocks or petrifactions cut or
shaped like iron screws, small cones gathered from swamp pines, to
exchange for stalactites, ocean shells, or other curiosities.

SCHELE DE VERE MCCONNELL.

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BERKSHIRE, VERMONT.

I have had a rabbit die. My sister Flora found it dead. I have a
little kitty. It is mine and my little brother's. We have a dog
named Rover. I have dug thirty-seven bushels of potatoes this year.
My papa is going to pay me for digging them.

I am eight years old. My name is

SAMUEL SYLVESTER D., JUN., per Mamma.

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FRIENDSHIP, NEW YORK.

I am a little girl of seven. My sister and I have YOUNG PEOPLE by
the kindness of our uncle living in Long Island City. I think Jimmy
Brown a funny boy. I cried when Mr. Stubbs was shot. I live on a
farm, and have a horse twenty-one years old, which I ride after the
cows. Her name is Pet. Our mamma teaches us at home. My sister
writes for me. I hope "Tim and Tip" will end well.

MARY C. E.

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PITTSFIELD, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

As so many of the children write about their pets, I think I will
write about mine. I have a gray and black kitty which came to us
three years ago. When he appeared some one called him Tramp, which
made me cry; so mother would not let his name be Tramp, but called
him Puffy. Now he is a very handsome cat, and walks in and out in
the most dignified manner. I have two snow-white kittens, and I
love them very much.

My brother has a dog three months old named Carlo. He is very
playful and mischievous, and teases the kittens, until they get out
of patience, and give him a cuff on the ear for his insolence. I
have also a canary-bird that sings beautifully.

Dearest of all my pets is my horse. His name is Jerry, and I
harness him when I please, and some of the rides I take over our
beautiful hills and around our little village would do all the
young people good. I wish they could ride with me some bright, cool
morning. They would return with good appetites for dinner. I am
thirteen years old.

ROSA M. F.

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ROSEVILLE, NEW JERSEY.

I have been spending the summer in Dutchess County, New York. I
have a fine Maltese cat whose name is Velvet. I brought him from
the country; he weighs ten pounds. I earned the money to pay for
YOUNG PEOPLE by rising at half past five in the morning for seven
weeks. I am ten years old. Last year, when in the country, I had
eight cats.

We have a baby boy six weeks old named Jasper. He was born on my
sister's sixth birthday.

EDNA B. D.

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HOUSTON, TEXAS.

We are two little sisters, eight and four years old, and have taken
YOUNG PEOPLE ever since the first number, and enjoy it very much.
We liked the story of "Toby Tyler" best of all. "Mildred's
Bargain," "The Moral Pirates," and "The Daisy Cot" were splendid,
and we look for Jimmy Brown's stories every week. Our baby sister
says she likes "Tim and Tip" ever so much.

We have a dear little pet rabbit, some pigeons, and two sweet
little calves. We have a doll house and fifteen dolls. We hope our
letter is not too long.

LOTTIE and LILLIE.

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

I have just returned from an excursion to Watkins Glen, Niagara,
Montreal, Quebec, the White Mountains, and Boston.

I want to tell you about a curiosity which I saw at Watkins, and
which amused me very much. It was a blind bat from Havana. The cage
was covered with a cloth on which was a label that read, "A blind
bat from Havana."

I lifted the curtain expecting to find a great curiosity, but
instead of that, I brought to view a brick suspended by a wire from
the top of the cage. It was a "brickbat," and it came from Havana,
a neighboring town, where there are brick-yards.

C. B. F.

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HENRIETTA, NEW YORK.

I have been wanting to write you a letter for a long time, for I
see so many letters in the Post-office Box from little girls who
are about the same age as myself. I am thirteen years old. I can
play on the violin, organ, and piano. All my sisters play the organ
also. I have four sisters, two older and two younger than myself.
Their names are Fanny, Carrie, Martha, and Alice.

I am learning to ride horseback. Our pony's name is Billy. I do not
go to school, and we have had no school since June. We have an
aquarium, and in it we have a fish, a bull-head. We have had three
mud-turtles. The one we have now is about as large as a silver
dollar. I like the story about Toby Tyler and "Aunt Ruth's
Temptation" the best. I think "Tim and Tip" promises to be a very
good one. I think Jimmy Brown's stories are very funny. I hope he
will soon favor us with another story about his misfortunes.

ELLA J. N.

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JEFFERSON, IOWA.

I enjoy reading the letters in the Post-office Box very much. I am
eight years old. I have no brother nor sister, and no pets except a
canary-bird. I go to school, and I have been promoted into the
Intermediate Department. My teacher's name is Miss F----, and I
like her, though she does give black marks. I haven't had any yet
that I know of. When we went to the Centennial Exhibition we
visited New York, and mamma, papa, and I went all over Harper's
Building, but they didn't print HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE then. I take
music lessons every Saturday. My lesson is in four sharps. I don't
like sharps. My music-teacher's name is Mrs. L----, and she intends
to teach me a little song when I shall have taken half a term.
Mamma says that editors like short letters, so I will stop.

NETTIE L. F.

* * * * *

I live at Round Mountain, Alabama. My papa has an iron furnace. It
is such a pretty sight to see the iron running into the beds of
sand to make pig-iron. I have taken YOUNG PEOPLE one year, and I
like it so much that mamma says I can take it another year. I liked
"Toby Tyler" so much, and think "Tim and Tip" is a splendid story.
I am eight years old.

BOLLING S.

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BUFFALO, NEW YORK.

Two of my little friends have written to this dear paper, and so I
thought I would. I live in the city of Buffalo, and I would not
change to any other city for anything.

My sister will visit New York this winter, and she is going through
the building where HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE is published; and then I
will write another letter, and tell you how she likes it.

I have taken this paper ever since the first number; and even papa
and mamma like to read it.

My brother has a piece of wood off Washington's house at Mount
Vernon, and a piece of bomb-shell which was thrown from Fort Porter
over to Fort Erie; and he has a piece of rope that was cut off the
bell of an old Dutch church, New York, at the time of the
Revolution. My grandpapa can remember when Canal Street, New York,
was nothing but a canal.

GERTRUDE HESTER C.

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SEVERAL INQUIRIES.--Harper & Brothers can not bind YOUNG PEOPLE, but they will furnish a beautifully illuminated cover for thirty-five cents. If by mail, thirteen cents extra. Any book-binder will put it on for you at a trifling expense.

* * * * *

BERTIE AND CORINNE R.--We will publish your exchange as soon as we possibly can; but, dear children, there are ever so many whose exchanges must go in before yours, so be patient. We agree with you both about "Tim and Tip."

* * * * *

G. M.--We would like to see the gray and white kitty, and we think Totty a very pretty name indeed for her.

* * * * *

FRANKIE D.--If you will write something kind and polite about your sister Emma, we will be glad to print it, but we are afraid, judging from the present letter, that you are very fond of teasing her. You surely do not expect a young lady to be very fond of pigs.

* * * * *

C. Y. P. R. U.

I said last week that I would try to think of some other pleasant evening entertainment for the little club which asked the Postmistress to help them in that way. Here is the game of RHYMING. It may be played by any number of persons. The leader begins by saying to the company, "What do I think of which rhymes with ----?" any word of one syllable which he or she may select. We will suppose the word to be hop. The question will then be, "What do I think of which rhymes with hop?" The person next will then inquire, "Is it an upper surface?" and the questioner will reply, "It is not _top_." "Is it an undignified movement?" the next may ask, and the answer will be, "It is not _flop_." "Is it an implement?" somebody else may say, and the reply will be, "It is not _mop_." And so on, until some fortunate inquirer guesses the word which is in the leader's mind, which may be fop, lop, stop, or any other word which rhymes with hop. This game will furnish a circle of bright young people with fun and good-humored amusement for an hour or two, and will, besides, give them an exercise in definitions which will help to increase their vocabulary.

* * * * *

A PREDICAMENT.--The other evening Charlie and I were reading the life of an eminent English artist, David Cox. At one time he gave lessons in drawing, and as his pupils' houses were quite distant from each other, he bought a pony to carry him from place to place. "The pony had previously belonged to an apothecary, and was accustomed to go round with the lad who took out medicines to the residences in the neighborhood. Having been often employed on this business, he knew the connection well, and did not need to be told where to stop. This knowledge had not forsaken him when Mr. Cox became his owner, and when the drawing-master mounted him to go to his teaching, he fancied that he was taking out medicines still. Accordingly, often during the journey he pulled up short at somebody's door where he had been used to deliver the pills and lotions, and his rider had much difficulty in getting him to proceed. On one occasion Mr. Cox was actually obliged to dismount, hitch the bridle to a gate, and make a pretense of going up to the house, before the pony could be persuaded to budge an inch."

* * * * *

The Postmistress wants you to tell her which English poet it was who wrote the history of a kind of chair. You know chairs have a history, and a very interesting one too. In which of his works can you find the passage referred to? What can you tell about himself, and what were the names of three dear little friends of his who never spoke a word in their lives?

The Postmistress will print in No. 108 the names of all who send answers to these questions. She will also publish the best and most complete answer which she shall receive to these three questions.

* * * * *

K. MCD.--To become an expert in the art of illustration, severe and thorough study is the essential thing. You must be an excellent draughtsman, and that no one can become without practice and training. Learn to discipline the hand and to use the eye. Study anatomy, and try to show the varying expressions of the human face, as played upon by passion, sorrow, delight, content, or despair. Endeavor to catch the salient points in a situation, and make a picture which shall emphasize and add to the effect of the descriptive narrative. Your natural talent for sketching will be a great help to you, but nothing will make you really successful except patient and persevering study of drawing, and entire forgetfulness of yourself in your work.

* * * * *

COHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS.

DEAR POSTMISTRESS,--Will you please tell me how to make a leaf
album? I have heard of them, and thought I would like to make one,
but do not know how.

Could you tell me of some nice books? I like histories ever so
much.

I shall be ever so much obliged if you answer my questions in Our
Post-office Box.

E. LULU F.

There are several ways in which a beautiful leaf album might be made. I once possessed one which was composed of card pictures, every one of which represented either a single leaf or a cluster of leaves, with descriptions printed under each picture. A person with skill in painting could make a very lovely album by copying the leaves in their fresh or ripened tints. But probably the best way for you will be to gather leaves and press them carefully, and then fasten them upon your pages either with mucilage or by cutting a little slit in the paper large enough to hold the stem of each leaf. Write under every leaf the name of the species, the place where it grew, and the date of gathering it. You might also write a stanza of poetry on every page, selecting from American or English authors as you prefer. Any blank-book of convenient size will do for an album.

I am very glad you like history. As I do not know what books you have already read, I can give you only the names of some which I like. _The Life and Letters of Lord Macaulay_, by G. Otto Trevelyan, is a charming biography, and after reading it you will not rest until you have read Macaulay's _History of England_. Green's _Short History of the English People_, in one volume, is a book which will charm you from the first to the last page. I hope you read Shakspeare, especially the historical plays. And I advise you to read, by way of informing yourself about American history, Miss Eliza Robins's _Tales from American History_, and Thatcher's _Tales of the American Revolution_. Lossing's _Field-Book of the Revolution_ is delightful reading. You will say, "Please, Postmistress, stop," and I will do so, because I might fill a column with the names of books which an intelligent young person would enjoy reading. One thing let me add, and that is, that a good school text-book is always an excellent book to keep at hand for reference when you are reading larger histories.

The careful perusal of YOUNG PEOPLE will help you to learn about out-of-the-way episodes in history, which you might have to look over many volumes to find.

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The following articles in this number are specially designed for the C. Y. P. R. U.: "The Home of the Reindeer" (illustrated), by John Habberton; "Bits of Advice"; and "Window Gardening," with several illustrations.

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Contributions received for Young People's Cot in Holy Innocent's Ward, St. Mary's Free Hospital for Children, 407 West Thirty-fourth Street, New York:

Rev. John G. Smith, Chicago, $1; Amy Fownes, Alleghany, 51c.; Annie Rothery, Matteawan, $1.25; D. W. Bishop, Jun., Lenox, 50c.; C. F. Bishop, Lenox, 50c.; Frank L. Cisco, Staten Island, $1; May Cisco, Staten Island, $1; Walter E. Saunders, Washington, N. J., 50c.; Grace C. Hayes, Clinton, N. Y., 51c.; Grace and Willie Fyfield, Yocumville, $2.50; J. Clarke Burrell, New York, $1; proceeds of a fair held by Lulie Lawrence, Lulie H. Fox, Gertrude Birch, Adelia F. Doolittle, Jennie I. Baxter, Josie A. Lawrence, Mamie Doolittle, and Carrie H. Lawrence, of Linden, Montgomery Co., Md., $6.75; Gerald Morton Bliss, East Providence, 27c.; Alma L. and Kleber A. Campbell, West Rutland, Vt., $1; Anna and Levi Rassow, Reading, Penn., $1; Jamie and Freddie Miller, Mamaroneck, $1; Amy Cohen, Albany, 25c.; Willie Needham, New Bedford, Mass., 35c.; Maude and Carrie Cooke, Cheltenham, Penn., $1; Marguerite Laquer, Mendrisio, Switzerland, $2; Dudley A. Williams, Hackensack, 50c.; Allie Bales, Philadelphia, 1c.; A Reader of YOUNG PEOPLE, Flushing, $1; L. D. C., Chicago, $2; "Little Ada," Cincinnati, 20c.; Hope Kishlar, Goodland, Ind., 50c.; Grace V. C., Watertown, N. Y., 25c.; total, $28.35. Previously acknowledged, $138.61; grand total, $166.96.

E. AUGUSTA FANSHAWE, Treasurer, 43 New St.
_October_ 15, 1881.

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GOODLAND, INDIANA.

I ride down to the pump on Billy, and lead Charlie. Papa or George
pumps the water. I have a tabby cat, but think my Billy horse is
the nicest pet. I asked mamma if I could shake some money out of my
bank for the Cot. I shook out fifty cents. I was five years old
last April. My little playmate, Mamie Harper, is very sick. My
aunty wrote this for me. I told her what to say.

HOPE KISHLAR.

* * * * *

EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND.

My little son is very anxious to send his contribution, which he
has earned himself, for the Young People's Cot in St. Mary's
Hospital, New York. He has just recovered from sickness, is eight
years of age, and his name is Gerald Morton Bliss. Wishing you
success in your good work, I am, yours truly,

T. A. BLISS.

* * * * *

ALLEGHANY, PENNSYLVANIA.

I am a little girl two years old. I live with my grandparents. My
aunt has been telling me about the cot in St. Mary's Free Hospital,
and I want to send my money for the poor little sick girls and boys
who have nobody to take care of them. My grandpa and grandma give
me money, and I put it into a pretty little shell purse I have. I
send you all I have in my purse now, and maybe I will send you some
more another time.

AMY FOWNES + Her mark.

* * * * *

I inclose fifty cents, the contents of my bank, which I wish to
give for the Young People's Cot. I work for mamma, gathering up
dead leaves, which she pays me for, and I will try and save some
more money to send to you before winter comes. I am seven years
old, and live in Hackensack, New Jersey.

DUDLEY A. WILLIAMS.

* * * * *

WEST RUTLAND, VERMONT.

Inclosed find one dollar for the Young People's Cot from Alma L.
and Kleber A. Campbell, of West Rutland, Vermont. They were so
interested in the account of it they saw in HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE
that they have gladly been without candy to earn the dollar to
send.

A. C. CAMPBELL.

* * * * *

LINDEN, MARYLAND.

We take the YOUNG PEOPLE (my two little sisters and myself), and we
read in the Post-office Box your letter to the children, asking us
to help endow a cot in the little folks' ward, to be called the
Young People's Cot. We wanted to do something to help you, so we
called our little neighbors together, and read them your letter. We
talked it over, and concluded to have a little fair. We did not
expect to make much, as there were so few of us; but we did the
best we could, and held our little fair Thursday, September 15. We
inclose the proceeds, $6.75, hoping it will help you in the good
work. It will please us very much, if you have received this, to
let us know through the YOUNG PEOPLE.

LULIE LAWRENCE,
LULIE H. FOX,
GERTRUDE BIRCH,
ADELIA F. DOOLITTLE,
JENNIE I. BAXTER,
JOSIE A. LAWRENCE,
MAMIE DOOLITTLE,
CARRIE H. LAWRENCE.

* * * * *

NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS.

I have been saving my pennies till I have twenty-five cents, which
I send to Young People's Cot. My mother has given me ten cents,
making in all thirty-five cents, for which amount you will find
stamps inclosed. I have taken YOUNG PEOPLE nearly a year, and like
it very much.

WILLIE NEEDHAM (8 years).

* * * * *

N. B.--_The History of a Mountain_, by Élisée Reclus, translated by Bertha Ness and John Lillie, and profusely illustrated with fine engravings, will be sent to the boy or girl who shall send the best puzzle to Our Post-office Box between November 1 and December 7. This book is one which will be an addition to any library, and we hope our puzzlers will try to earn it. Obsolete words must not be used in the puzzles submitted for the prize.

* * * * *

Correct answers to puzzles have been received from Alfred C. Gondie, "Dolly Varden," J. Knight Durham, E. E. Steele, George Sylvester, Pansy Elcton, Thecla Clark, Jenny C. Ridgway, Susie M. Farrell, Maggie A. Farrell, Alice M. Southworth, "Queen Bess," W. W. S. Hoffman, Willie Volckhausen, Emma Roehm, G. E. H., J. Marks, Jemima Beeston, Leo Marks, Alice and Katharine, "Lodestar," "Blizzard," Eddie S. Hequembourg, Frank S. Davis, Joseph C. Welch, "Dandy," _Henry Elliott Johnston_.

* * * * *

PUZZLES FROM YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS.

No. 1.

EASY HALF-SQUARE AND DIAMOND.

1.--1. A guide. 2. A boy's name. 3. A gum. 4. Above. 5. A letter.

2.--1. A letter. 2. A nickname. 3. To prevent. 4. A mound of earth. 5. A letter.

CAPTAIN HAL.

* * * * *

No. 2.

DIAMOND--(_To Lodestar, with regards_).

1. A letter. 2. Dull. 3. Begot. 4. Forms with lines of differing colors. 5. Appropriate to a siren. 6. Mealy. 7. Painting. 8. To delude. 9. A river. 10. To drag. 11. A letter.

AEROLITE.

* * * * *

No. 3.

ENIGMA.

In virtue, not in beauty.
In play, but not in duty.
In glory, not in fame.
In hero, not in name.
In action, not in deed.
In flower, not in weed.
In flame, not in fire.
In harp, not in lyre.
By whole is the home celestial
Of the brave in battle slain,
Where all is peace and triumph,
And never is sorrow or pain.

NITA.

* * * * *

No. 4.

EASY NUMERICAL ENIGMA.

I am composed of 21 letters, and am the title of a poem by Bret Harte.
My 7, 19, 4 does not mean to sail.
My 15, 20, 6, 14, 3 will always prevail.
My 11, 10, 12 obscures the sight.
My 9, 6, 8 is an orb of light.
My 1, 2, 16 is caused by pleasure.
My 7, 13, 17, 14 is a time of leisure.
My 5, 6, 18 is the nickname of a boy.
My 9, 2, 4, 21 sometimes expresses joy.

HARRY THORNE.

* * * * *

No. 5.

DIAMOND.

1. A letter. 2. An abbreviation. 3. Has beginning. 4. Destroys. 5. A bicarbonate of potash. 6. Decides. 7. Hangers on. 8. Obstinacy. 9. Suitors. 10. An abbreviation. 11. A letter.

PRINCE CHARLIE.

* * * * *

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN No. 102.

No. 1.

Bon, ton, son, con, don, won, yon, eon, ion, non.

No. 2.

Dandelion, Buttercup.

No. 3.

One chill day in the early spring, Mother Nature was very busy. She was looking over her patterns, and thinking what she could procure in the way of new dresses for her children. When she came to think of it, she decided that the old ones were quite pretty enough. "As for Dandelion," she said, "nothing suits her style so well as bright yellow. Larkspur is lovely in blue, and Lilies are queenly in white. The beautiful Rose can wear any color except black, and the Daisy must always appear with a gold centre and white fringe. Clover in crimson or white is equally sweet; and as for dainty Buttercup, she could not tell who loved butter if I dressed her in any other shade than yellow. Late in the season my Morning-Glories--delicate, sweet darlings--will be climbing the fences and garlanding the trellises. They may dress as they please. As for the Dahlias, they always come to Autumn's festival in crimps and tinted petticoats. They are stiff and stately, yet I pardon it, for they are bright, showy creatures, and many people like them. Dearest of all, my Chrysanthemums, in white, crimson, and yellow, will bloom after Blue Gentian, Aster, and Golden-Rod have all faded away at the breath of the frost."

No. 4.

Take care of the pennies, and the pounds will take care of themselves.

No. 5.

Bangor.

* * * * *

[_For Exchanges, see third page of cover._]

BALANCING A CORK.

Here is a curious experiment in equilibrium (Fig. 1), which is easily done. Two forks are stuck into a cork, and the cork is placed on the brim of the neck of a bottle. The forks and the cork form a whole, of which the centre of gravity is fixed over the point of support. We can bend the bottle--empty it even, if it contains fluid--without the little construction over its mouth being in the least disturbed from its balance. The vertical line of the centre of gravity passes through the point of support, and the forks move with the cork, which serves as their support, thus forming a movable structure, but much more stable than one is inclined to suppose. This curious experiment is often performed by conjurers, who inform their audience that they will undertake to empty the bottle without disturbing the cork.

If a woodcock has been served for dinner, or any other bird with a long beak, take off the head at the extreme end of the neck; then split a cork so that you can insert into it the neck of the bird, which must be tightly clipped to keep it in place; two forks are then, fixed into the cork exactly as in the preceding example, and into the bottom of the cork a pin is inserted. This little contrivance is next placed on a piece of money, which has been put on the opening of the neck of the bottle, and when it is fairly balanced we make it spin round by pushing one of the forks as rapidly as we please, but as much as possible without any jerk. We then see the two forks, and the cork surmounted by the woodcock's head, turning on the slender pivot of a pin (Fig. 2). Nothing can be more comical than to witness the long beak of the bird turning round and round, successively facing all the company assembled round the table, sometimes with a little oscillation, which gives it an almost life-like appearance.

HUNTING (CITY IN NEW YORK).

BY C. E. M.

My friend (mountain in Massachusetts) and I, accompanied by a (islands in the Pacific) (river in New York) (Territory in the United States) as guide, started from the little (river in Germany), where we had been spending our two weeks' vacation together, in search of (city in New York); for as (mountain in Massachusetts) said, it would never do to return to the (cape in Asia) without some trophy of our skill and prowess.

Having donned our (river in Scotland) hunting suits, we launched the canoe, and were soon gliding swiftly down the river, through whose (lake in British America) one could distinctly see the (cape in Australia) bottom.

We succeeded in shooting the (city in Michigan) without mishap, though our frail craft bobbed about like a (city in Ireland); and having reached our landing-place, we scrambled up the (town in New Jersey), and came upon what seemed to be the ruins of some old (island in Rhode Island) house.

This we passed, and the hunting ground being now close at hand, we sent the guide forward to reconnoitre, while we patiently awaited his re-appearance.

We had not (island in New York) to wait, for the (Territory in the United States) quickly and noiselessly hastened back to us, and, without speaking, pointed eagerly toward the (cape in Asia), where we could distinctly make out a small group of (river in New York) objects, apparently motionless.

"We are in (city in India)," whispered my friend.

And as the animals seemed to be unconscious of our presence, we crept cautiously through the long grass until we were near enough to get a (island off the coast of Scotland) aim.

I singled out a fine bull, and fired.

With a loud bellow of (cape in Scotland) and (town in Ohio), the animal turned to (river in New Guinea); but quickly reloading, I aimed again, and this second (strait in Australia) was more successful, for, with a bound like a (bay in Australia), he fell dead, while the rest of the herd galloped away in (cape in North Carolina). Our guide uttered a (island off the coast of Scotland) of delight; and as he was provided with (river in Georgia) and tinder, we were soon feasting luxuriously on (city in France) tender (city in New York) steaks. Leaving the larger share of our prize as a feast for the (bay in Massachusetts), we started for home, after fruitless attempts to detach a (cape in South America) from the animal's head.

SOLUTION OF LABYRINTH PUZZLE IN No. 102.

Enter at the gate, pass to the third space, turn to the left, then make first turn to the right. Turn upward, then to the right, thence downward, thence across to the left until _forced_ to turn upward. Then to the right, then downward. Then to the right almost across the puzzle, upward, to left, and the remainder of the course is easy.

SAD, BUT JUST.

BY MARGARET EYTINGE.

A monkey and a porcupine
Went out to walk one night--
'Twas in September, and the moon
And stars were shining bright--
When, in a garden near the road,
They spied a splendid tree,
As full of peaches, round and red,
As ever it could be.

The topmost branch that monkey reached
In one astounding bound,
And soon the ripest peaches there
Were strewn upon the ground;
And 'mong them rolled the porcupine
With porcupiney skill,
And when he left that spot he bore
A peach upon each quill.

And how they laughed, the monkey and
His very sharp young chum,
When, safe at home, they ate them all!
But soon they looked quite glum;
And ere the night had passed they vowed
They'd never steal again;
For "Oh!" they groaned, and "Oh!" they moaned,
"We've got a peachy pain."

End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Young People, November 1, 1881, by Various