[Officers and Members are referred to a Special Notice on page 55.]
DEAR Mr. Editor,—The little anecdote I am going to tell you is about a parrot my aunt once had—named, of course, Polly. She had been taught many funny and amusing speeches, among which she used to say to a canary that hung in the same room, "Pretty Poll, shabby canary;" and when the canary sang she would cry out, "Oh, what a noise! what a noise!" My aunt having been very ill, had not seen Polly for a long time, not being able to bear her noisy talking; but one day feeling better, she asked to see her. She was brought to her room, but seemed very quiet. My aunt, who could not understand why she was so unusually quiet, called to her, "Polly, come and kiss me!" The poor bird flew to her mistress, laid her beak on her lips, and died, it is supposed, of her great joy at again seeing her mistress, after grieving so long at her absence.
Emily F. Woolf.(Aged 15.)
138, Edgware Road, London, W.
DEAR Mr. Editor,—The following little stories are quite true. A friend of mine told me of a cat of hers which was in the room with its master (my friend's father), who was asleep sitting on an arm-chair. The cat wanted to go out of the room, but could not, as the door was shut. So she went and patted her master on the ear, then walked away to the door and scratched at it until it was opened for her. She is a very clever cat, and can learn anything you teach her in a few minutes. I also know of another cat who never laps her milk, but always puts her paw in the saucer and then licks the milk off of it again.
A. E. Green(Aged 12.)
Hainault Lodge, near Chigwell.
DEAR Mr. Editor,—A London carpenter whom I know for a long time constantly found the oil-bottle attached to his lathe emptied of its contents. Various plans were devised to find out the thief, but they all failed. At last the man determined to watch. Through a hole in the door he peeped for some time. By-and-by he heard a gentle noise; something was creeping up the framework of the lathe. It was a fine rat. Planting itself on the edge of the lathe, the ingenious creature popped its tail inside of the bottle, then drew it out and licked off the oil. This it continued to do until nearly every drop of oil was taken from the bottle.
Edwin Rippin.(Aged 14.)
Osbournby, Lincolnshire.
DEAR Mr. Editor,—One day a few months ago we had let one of our canaries out of his cage, and forgetting that he was out we left open the door of the room where he was. When we remembered the bird we were much afraid lest he should have flown out of the room. We hunted high and low, calling his name, "Carmen," to which he often answers with a chirp. At last I happened to push aside a little low stool, and there, crouching down so as not to be found (as he dislikes being put into his cage) was Carmen. He has tried since then to hide; but we know his tricks, so he is unsuccessful.
Constance Barkworth(Aged 13¼.)
3, Ilchester Gardens, Bayswater.
Note.—Each Story, Anecdote, &c., when sent to the Editor, must be certified by a Parent, Teacher, or other responsible person, as being bothTrue and Original.
The Editor desires to inform his Readers that the"Little Folks" Annualfor 1885 will be published, as usual, on the 25th of October. Further particulars will be shortly announced.
Iamafraid one of them must go, Helen."
"Oh, Maurice, really? Father gave them to us," and Helen Claire raised her soft, tearful, brown eyes to her brother's face.
"Yes, dear, 'tis hard to part with either Diamond or Ruby, but then it is for Dora's sake."
"I can't give up Ruby, Maurice!" faltered Helen, with quivering lips.
Maurice made no reply, but glanced across to the chair where two frisky little spaniels sat watching them with bright eyes. Ruby, hearing his name, stood up, looking ready for any amount of mischief.
"Mine shall go, Helen, after all," he added, quickly. "I think Ruby, perhaps, is more engaging, and fonder of us thanDiamond."
But you will want to know the cause of this giving-up of so beloved a little playfellow.
Maurice and Helen Claire lived in a small, shabby house, with their mother and little sister Dora. Poor children! For nearly a year now they had been, as far as they knew, fatherless. Captain Claire had never returned from his last voyage. His ship had been reported as missing; and the once happy home of the Claires had been left for a small house in a busy town. Maurice and Helen, healthy, hopeful children, bore up well enough under their reduced circumstances. But fragile little Dora had begun slowly to droop. The doctor ordered change of air to some seaside place. So it was that Maurice had announced that they must sell one of the dogs—their father's parting gift.
Maurice having decided between Diamond and Ruby, took up his cap, and went out, leaving Helen alone. Hardly had he gone, when a little girl, with long fair curls, and dreamy blue eyes, stole softly in. She sat down on the sofa with a weary sigh.
"Dora," began Helen, "you will go to the seaside yet."
"Oh! shall I?" cried Dora, clasping her thin white hands.
"Yes, Maurice is going to sell Diamond."
"Oh!"
The pretty flush which the pleasant news had brought to her face died away.
"Oh, no, Helen! I couldn't let Maurice sell Diamond only for me; that would be too selfish!"
"Dora, youmustgo! and—Maurice doesn't mind so much."
Dora smiled wistfully. "You don't know how fond he is of Diamond," she said.
This conversation was suddenly interrupted by a thundering knock at the front door; and, a few minutes later, a gentleman was ushered into the room.
"Father!" screamed Dora, springing forward.
And in another moment both children were locked in his arms.
What a happy evening that was! Captain Claire soon explained how the ship had been wrecked, and he, after being picked up, was ill for a long time. Then, since his recovery, he had been seeking his wife and children, for the old home was deserted. Soon, however, a happy party returned there again. Dora grew bright and strong, while Diamond and Ruby were greater pets than ever.
Catherine A. Morin.(Aged 15¾.)
6, Clarendon Square, Leamington.
Certified byAlice Morin(Mother).
First Prize (One-Guinea Book), with Officer's Medal of the "Little Folks" Legion of Honour;—Catherine A. Morin(15¾), 6, Clarendon Square, Leamington.Second Prize (Seven-Shilling-and-Sixpenny Book), with Officer's Medal:—Emily Gittins(13½), 14, Philip Road, Peckham Rye, S.E.Honourable Mention, with Member's Medal:—Ethel M. Angus(14½), North Ashfield, Newcastle-on-Tyne;Mildred Crompton-Roberts(13), 16, Belgrave Square, London, S.W.;Louie Debenham(15), Presteigne, Radnorshire;Clifford Crawford(11¾), 21, Windsor Street, Edinburgh;Louie W. Smith(15), 11, Woodside Terrace, Glasgow;Julia Eldred(14), Truro Vean Cottage, Truro;Edith B. Jowett(15¾), Thackley Road, Idle, near Bradford;Madeline de L'Ecuyer(12), Château du Rohello par Baden, Morbihan, France;Emily W. Wall(15), The Hill House, Warwick;Blanche K. A. Coventry(14¾), Severn Stoke Rectory, Worcester; C.Maude Battersby(15), Cromlyn, Rathowen, West Meath.
MESOSTICH.—Brazil.
1. NuBia. 2. AmeRica. 3. SpAin. 4. SpeZzia.5. JerIcho. 6. IreLand.
SINGLE ACROSTIC—Claudius.
1.Cabinet. 2.Labourer. 3.Arc. 4.Unicorn. 5.Deer.6.Iron. 7.Ursula. 8.Sapphire.
TOWNS ENIGMATICALLY EXPRESSED.
1. New-port. 2. Sunder-land. 3. Scar-borough. 4.War-wick. 5. Vent-nor. 6. Maiden-head. 7. Ox-ford.8. Work-sop. 9. Clap-ham.
HIDDEN PROVERBS.
1. "Fine feathers make fine birds."2. "Many a true word is spoken in jest."3. "Prevention is better than cure."
1. "Fine feathers make fine birds."2. "Many a true word is spoken in jest."3. "Prevention is better than cure."
1. "Fine feathers make fine birds."2. "Many a true word is spoken in jest."3. "Prevention is better than cure."
DOUBLE ACROSTIC AND ARITHMOREM.
Beech—Maple.
1.BlooM. 2.EncyclopædiA. 3.EggfliP. 4.CurL.5.HumanE.
GEOGRAPHICAL DOUBLE ACROSTIC.
Persia—Darius.1.PeipuS. 2.ErlaU. 3.RacconigI. 4.SuperioR.5.IvicA. 6.AbiyaD.
RIDDLE-ME-REE.—"Elephanta."
QUOTATION DROP-WORD PUZZLE.
"The children then began to sigh,And all their merry chat was o'er,And yet they felt, they knew not why,More glad than they had felt before."—Aiken.
"The children then began to sigh,And all their merry chat was o'er,And yet they felt, they knew not why,More glad than they had felt before."—Aiken.
"The children then began to sigh,And all their merry chat was o'er,And yet they felt, they knew not why,More glad than they had felt before."—Aiken.
MISSING-LETTER PUZZLE.
The Spanish Armada.
"Attend, all ye who list to hear our noble England's praise,I tell of the thrice-famous deeds she wrought in ancient days,When that great fleet invincible against her bore in vainThe richest spoils of Mexico, the stoutest hearts of Spain."
"Attend, all ye who list to hear our noble England's praise,I tell of the thrice-famous deeds she wrought in ancient days,When that great fleet invincible against her bore in vainThe richest spoils of Mexico, the stoutest hearts of Spain."
"Attend, all ye who list to hear our noble England's praise,I tell of the thrice-famous deeds she wrought in ancient days,When that great fleet invincible against her bore in vainThe richest spoils of Mexico, the stoutest hearts of Spain."
PICTORIAL NATURAL HISTORY PUZZLE.
Common Wombat of Australia.1. Monsoon. 2. Combat. 3. Rail. 4. Won. 5. Fault. 6. Aim.
MISSING LETTER PUZZLE.
Whenthe missing letters have been supplied, the whole will form a well-known verse from one of Hood's poems.
W × t × f × n × c × s × e × r × a × d × o × n × i × h × y × l × d × h × a × y × n × r × d,× w × m × n × a × i × u × w × m × n × y × a × s × l × i × g × e × n × e × l × a × d × h × e × d:× t × t × h × t × t × h × t × t × h × n × o × e × t × h × n × e × a × d × i × t;× n × s × i × l × i × h × v × i × e × f × o × o × o × s × i × c × s × e × a × g × h × s × n × o × t × e × h × r ×.
Lillie Maxwell.(Aged 15.)
Glen Albert, Roscrea,Co. Tipperary, Ireland.
SINGLE GEOGRAPHICAL ACROSTIC.
Myinitials read downwards represent an island in the East Indies.
1. A town in Derbyshire.2. A lake in Ireland.3. A river in Ireland.4. An island in the Mediterranean Sea.5. Scene of a battle-field in Germany.6. A river of Asia Minor.7. A town in Shropshire.
Emily Legge.(Aged 14.)
Burleigh House,Cliftonville, Margate.
GEOGRAPHICAL PICTORIAL ACROSTICgeographical pictorial acrostic.The initials and finals of the lines formed by the above objects give the names of two countries.
geographical pictorial acrostic.The initials and finals of the lines formed by the above objects give the names of two countries.
DOUBLE MESOSTICH.
Mycentral letters read downwards will form the names of two characters from Shakespeare.
1. A desire.2. A musical wind instrument.3. A flock.4. A kind of checkered cloth.5. An old game.6. Termination.
Nora Besley.(Aged 15.)
Rose Mount, Sydenham Rise.
RIDDLE-ME-REE.
Myfirst is in light, but not in dark;My second is in field, but not in park.My third is in gate, but not in door;My fourth is in ceiling, but not in floor;My fifth is in three, but not in two;My whole is a beast well known to you.
W. Pigott.(Aged 13¾.)
Eagle House, Barton-on-Humber
HIDDEN PROVERBS.
Eeehhhiiiiklnoorrsstttw.2. aaaeeeeeehhhillrrrssttwwwy.3. abcehhiklmnooooooprssttty.
Rachel T. Byng.(Aged 14½.)
St Peter's Parsonage,Cranley Gardens, London, S. W.
BEHEADED WORDS.
Iampart of a cart.Behead me, I am part of the foot.Behead me again and I am a fish.
2. I am something to write upon.Behead me and I am not in time.Behead me again and I am part of the verbto eat.
3. I am not fresh.Behead me and I am a story.Behead me again and I am a drink.
Mary H. Stewart.(Aged 13.)
Seafield, Blakeney Rd., Beckenham.
SPECIAL HOME AND FOREIGN COMPETITION.
Asannounced in the two previous numbers, the Editor proposes to give those of his Readers residing abroad an opportunity of competing for Prizes on favourable terms with Subscribers in Great Britain. In order to do this an extension of time for sending in Solutions to the Puzzles will be necessary; and, as may be seen from the notice below, about Two Months will be allowed for sending in Solutions to the Puzzles contained in this Number. Thus Children dwelling on the Continent, in the United States and Canada, and elsewhere abroad, will be enabled to take part in these popular Competitions.
It may be mentioned that Children residing in Great Britain will all be eligible to compete for Prizes as usual.
Prizes.
Twenty prizes will be awarded for the best Solutions to the Puzzles givenin this Number; Ten to Competitors in the Senior (for girls and boys between the ages of 14 and 16inclusive), and Ten to Competitors in the Junior Division (for thoseunder14 years of age).
The following will be the value of the Prizes, in books, given ineachDivision:—
1. A First Prize of One Guinea.2. A Second Prize of Half a Guinea.3. A Third Prize of Seven Shillings and Sixpence.4. Two Prizes of Five Shillings.5. Five Prizes of Half a Crown.
1. A First Prize of One Guinea.2. A Second Prize of Half a Guinea.3. A Third Prize of Seven Shillings and Sixpence.4. Two Prizes of Five Shillings.5. Five Prizes of Half a Crown.
There will also be awards of Bronze Medals of theLittle FolksLegion of Honour to the three next highest of the Competitors following the Prize-winners ineachDivision.
N.B. The Solutions, together with the names and addresses of the Prize and Medal winners, will be published in the January Number ofLittle Folks.
Regulations.
Solutions to the Puzzles published in this number must reach the Editor not later than October 25th (November 1st for Competitors residing abroad), addressed as under:—
The Editor of "Little Folks,"La Belle Sauvage Yard,Ludgate Hill,London, E.C.Answers to Puzzles.Junior [or Senior] Division.
Solutions to Puzzles must be accompanied by certificates from a Parent, Teacher, or other responsible person, stating that they arethe sole and unaided workof the competitor. No assistance must be given by any other person.
Competitors can be credited only under their own name.
The decision of the Editor ofLittle Folkson all matters must be considered final.
I.—GEOGRAPHICAL ALPHABETICAL PUZZLES.
In guessing the following Puzzles the letters given, when arranged in their correct order, will give the names of the places indicated. Thus, if the word were Scotland, it would be arranged thus—ACDLNOST—(A country).
Senior Division.
Proem.—ACEFNR (a country).
Lights.—1. AEEFLLRW (cape). 2. CEEHORST (town). 3. ACIINOSTT (island). 4. AEHN (river). 5. AACEHILNOP (island). 6. AADEEMNRRSTU (province).
Junior Division.
Proem.—AAACDN (a Crown colony)
Lights.—1. ABCES (gulf). 2. AABDDEGIMRS (sandbanks). 3. AEEHNNVW (town). 4. AACEGHLNR (port). 5. ADGILNR (river). 6. AEEEIMNRRST (town).
SYNONYM MESOSTICH.
In place of the words given below put others having the same meaning. If correctly given the centre letters of the lights will give the proem.
Senior Division.
Proem.—A division of Cryptogamous plants.
Lights.—1. An old kind of weapon. 2. A kind of rich, sweet cake. 3. Petulantly. 4. Ancient or obsolete. 5. A cloth worker's forked instrument. 6. Vacuity.
Junior Division.
Proem.—A division, dignity, or distinction.
Lights.—1. Strange or whimsical. 2. Inapplicability. 3. Having differed or dissented. 4. An egg-shaped chemical vessel. 5. A recital of circumstances. 6. Having flat petals.
Summer Competition (Puzzle No. 1).
Senior Division.
1. Centaury. 2. Polyanthus. 3. Mimulus. 4. Eschscholtzia. 5. Antirrhinum. 6. Valerian. 7. Achimenes. 8. Clematis. 9. Ageratum. 10. Berberis.
CLASS I.—Consisting of those who have gained ten marks:—M. C. Brodrick, M. Breffit, R. Brooke, A. Bradbury, H. Bagnall, N. Besley, J. Cooper, L. E. Curme, M. Cooper, F. G. Callcott, C. Debenham, M. Edwardes, H. G. Fraser, W. Farndale, F. Forrest, A. Golledge, D. von. Hacht, L. Haydon, M. Heddle, G. Curling-Hope, J. Jackson, M. Jakeman, A. M. Jackson, A. Lynch, M. Lloyd, L. Leach, B. Law, C. Morin, E. Maynard, F. MacCarthy, M. More, E. Marsden, M. Mercer, E. McCaul, E. Morgan, G. Martin, M. C. Nix, K. Nix, C. J. Nix, N. Pybus, E. Roughton, H. R. Stanton, A. Sifton, L. Wood-Smith, H. R. Dudley-Smith, M. Browning-Smith, A. Sifton, A. Slessor, Una Tracy, C. Trüdinger, B. Tomlinson, A. C. Wilson, M. Wilson.
CLASS II.—Consisting of those who have gained nine marks or less:—A. Adams, G. Burne, M. Bradbury, M. Buckley, E. A. Browne, H. Blunt, A. Bartholomew, J. Burnet, J. Bumsted, H. Coombes, W. Coode, A. Carrington, H. Cholmondeley, B. Coventry, H. Cornford, H. Collins, G. Dundas, H. Dyson, B. Dunning, R. Eustace, L. Fraser, M. Fulcher, E. D. Griffith, A. Good, J. Chappell-Hodge, E. Hanlon, G. Horner, M. Jones-Henry, E. Hinds, M. Hartfield, E. Hobson, B. Hudson, E. Hayes, E. Chappell-Hodge, F. Ivens, W. Ireland, W. Johnson, J. Jowett, E. Jowett, V. Jeans, G. Leicester, H. Leah, J. Little, E. Lithgow, H. Leake, C. Mather, E. May, K. Mills, M. Meagle, A. Pellier, M. Pretty, E. Parks, K. Pickard, G. Pettman, K. Robinson, L. Rees, N. Ross, A. Rawes, R. Row, E. Rita, G. Russell, A. Reading, E. Rudd, M. Spencer, J. Side, M. Addison-Scott, G. Sayer, M. Stuttle, M. Trollope, M. Welsh, E. Wilkinson, E. Wedgwood, W. C. Wilson, B. Walton, B. Wright, L. Webb, H. O. Watson, K. Williams, H. Wilmot, M. Wood, one without name, E. L. Prenner, A. Treacy, C. M. St. Jean.
Junior Division.
1. Celandine. 2. Jasmine. 3. Agrimony. 4. Dianthus. 5. Campanula. 6. Dielytra. 7. Begonia. 8. Coreopsis. 9. Anemone. 10. Pimpernel. 11. Succory.
CLASS I.—Consisting of those who have gained eleven marks:—L. Besley, C. Burne, A. Browne, F. Burne, M. Balfour, M. Bagnall, M. Buckler, L. Bennett, G. Blenkin, G. Barnes, F. Clayton, S. Cuthill, M. Curme, A. Coombs, Lily Clayton, H. Curme, C. Crawford, M. Callcott, W. Coventry, G. Debenham, K. Edwards, G. Fulcher, F. Foulger, A. Farmer, L. Forrest, H. Fox, L. Gill, M. Humphreys, Elma Hoare, M. A. Howard, E. Jowett, L. Leach, E. Leake, K. Lynch, H. More, G. O'Morris, A. Marindin, N. Maxwell, M. Morin, E. Metcalf, D. Maskell, E. Neame, G. Neame, L. Rudd, H. Russell, M. Wood-Smith, G. Stallybrass, V. N. Sharpe, M. Somerville, M. McCalman Turpie, E. Thompson, E. Wilmot, L. Weekman, G. Williams, M. Wilson, E. Yeo, M. E. John, G. T. A. Hodgson.
CLASS II.—Consisting of those who have gained ten marks or less:—R. Ainsworth, M. Beattie, E. Brake, E. Barnes, G. Buckle, D. Blunt, F. Callum, E. Carrington, E. Coombes, V. Coombes, M. Cooper, P. Davidson, E. Elston, E. Evans, L. Franklin, M. Frisby, A. Gilbert, F. Gibbons, M. Golledge, L. Hudson, W. Hobson, A. Harding, K. Hawkins, G. Chappell-Hodge, A. Ireland, G. Jackson, M. Jenkins, B. Jones, A. King, E. Lucy, W. Lewenz, L. Lockhart, J. Lancum, F. Löwy, C. Little, A. Leah, M. Lang, H. Mugliston, M. McLaren, F. Medlycott, E. Nicholson, F. Newman, C Prideaux, J. Pillett, G. Price, B. Peachey, E. Raven, A. Rudd, E. Spencer, E. Stanton, H. M. Smith, M. Delisle-Trentham, L. Walpole, M. Wiper, N. Wright, C. Wise, D. Wright, G. Williams, B. Webb.
AWARD OF PRIZES (Tenth Quarter).
Senior Division.
TheFirst Prizeof a Guinea Volume is awarded toFrederick G. Calcott(15), Hazeldon, 27, Shepherd's Bush Road, W.
TheSecond, Third, andFourth Prizesare divided betweenJ. L. Lewenz(16), Pelham Crescent, The Park, Nottingham, andMabelandJanet Cooper(twin sisters), (15¾), Birdhyrst, Auckland Road, Upper Norwood, S.E., who are awarded Books to the value of 7s. 6d. each.
Bronze Medalsof theLittle FolksLegion of Honour are awarded to:—Mabel Bradbury(16½), Oak Lodge, Nightingale Lane, S.W.;Matilda Heddle(15), St. Leonard's, St. Andrews, N.B.;Emma P. Prate(15), The Square, Warwick;M. A. Addison-Scott(16), Abbey Park Villas, St. Andrews, N.B.;Emma Maynard(16½), 16, Wood Lane, Shepherd's Bush, W.
Junior Division.
TheFirstandSecond Prizesare awarded betweenFredk. S. Howard(7½), andMary A. Howard(11), 15, Clarence Square, Gosport, who are awarded books to the value of 15s. 6d. each.
TheThirdandFourth Prizesare awarded betweenFrederick Cooper(13) andMabel Cooper(11), Warwick House, Ticehurst, Sussex;Nellie M. Maxwell(13), Jenner Road, Guildford;Muriel M. Wood-Smith(12), 11, Woodside Terrace, Glasgow: each of whom receives a Book value 3s.Dorothy Bluntand M.McCallman Turpiegained the same number of marks as the above, but having taken a Prize last Quarter are prevented by the rules from receiving one this time.
Bronze Medalsof theLittle FolksLegion of Honour are awarded toFrances Jean Clayton, 2, Anchor Gate Terrace, Portsea;Agnes F. COOMBES(13), Beaminster, DorsetshireSharley Fullford(11½), High Street, Fareham, Hampshire;Lucie Forrest(13), Northolme, Gainsborough;Arthur J. King(13¼), 75, Beresford Street, Cawberwell, S.E.
Questions and Answers
[The Editor requests that all inquiries and replies intended for insertion inLittle Folksshould have the words "Questions and Answers" written on the left-hand top corners of the envelopes containing them. Only those which the Editor considers suitable and of general interest to his readers will be printed.]
Prize Competitions, &c.
Helen.—[I am always pleased to see any Picture Puzzles sent by my readers, and am willing to insert them if they are suitable. They should, however, differ as far as possible from any already published inLittle Folks.—Ed.]
A. H.,Two Competitors.—[All the 1884 Special Prize Competitions close on the 30th of September. Others will be announced in due course. All the articles of every kind sent in competition will be distributed among the little inmates of Children's Hospitals.—Ed.]
Literature.
Pussy Catasks where the line
"Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast"
"Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast"
is to be found? and who was the author?
Daphnewrites in answer toFlurumpus Flumpto say that
"A boy's will is the wind's will"
"A boy's will is the wind's will"
occurs in one of Longfellow's earlier poems, entitled "My Lost Youth." The first verse is as follows:—
"Often I think of the beautiful townThat is seated by the sea;Often in thought go up and downThe pleasant streets of that dear old town,And my youth comes back to me.And a verse of a Lapland songIs haunting my memory still;'A boy's will is the wind's will,And the thoughts of youth are long long thoughts.'"
"Often I think of the beautiful townThat is seated by the sea;Often in thought go up and downThe pleasant streets of that dear old town,And my youth comes back to me.And a verse of a Lapland songIs haunting my memory still;'A boy's will is the wind's will,And the thoughts of youth are long long thoughts.'"
Answers also received fromSea Nymph, Nell Gwynne, Tattie Coram, Iceberg, An Irish Girl, W. R., The Duke of Omnium, Stella, Sunday Nose, E. M. T., andTaffy.
Little Bo-Peepasks if any one can tell her the author of the following lines, and in what poem they occur:—
"There is a reaper, whose name is Death,And, with his sickle keen.He reaps the bearded grain at a breath,And the flowers that grow between."
"There is a reaper, whose name is Death,And, with his sickle keen.He reaps the bearded grain at a breath,And the flowers that grow between."
Work.
Georgina Dexterasks how to make a pair of bedroom slippers.
Florence Waterswould be glad if any one could tell her how to clean crewel-work.
Cookery.
Violetwrites in answer toA Maid of Athensthat a very good recipe for oat-cakes is as follows:—Put two or three handfuls of coarse Scottish oatmeal into a basin with a pinch of carbonate of soda, mix well together, add one dessert-spoonful of hot dripping, mixing quickly with the hand; pour in as much cold water as will allow it to be lifted out of the basin in a very soft lump. Put this with a handful of meal upon a pastry-board, scattering meal upon it. Roll it out quickly with a rolling-pin; when as thick as a half-crown brush off all meal with some feathers or a pastry brush. Put another board upon the cake, reverse it, and brush it the other side. Slip it upon a hot girdle, cut it with a knife across and across so as to form triangular pieces. When they begin to curl up at the edges turn them on the girdle, keep them there till dry enough to lift, then remove them to a toaster in front of the fire, where they should become a light brown. Be careful to keep the girdle brushed free of loose oatmeal, scraping it occasionally with a knife. The more rapidly the cakes are made thebetter.
General.
Herbert Masterswould be very glad if any of the readers ofLittle Folkswould tell him the cost of a small carpenter's bench.
An Amateur Mechanicinquires which is the best wood for fretwork purposes; and where fret-saws may be obtained.
Sticklebackwishes to know if it is necessary to have real salt water for a salt-water aquarium, or whether any sea-salt which is sold would answer the purpose.
W. R. writes in reply to M. H. S.'s question, that maidenhair ferns should never be allowed to want water, which, if the drainage of the pot is perfect, may be applied every evening during the summer months, and at mid-day twice a week from late autumn until early spring. Answers also received from Erin,H. J. M., Dorothy Draggle-tail, "The Woman in White," A. E. C., Fédora, A. H., E. M. C., Little Nose-in-Air, andAlice in Wonderland.
Natural History.
A Green Gooseberrywishes to know what makes canaries desert their eggs, and how they can be prevented.—[They cannot be "prevented." The most common cause is insect vermin. If these are found, burn all the old nests, use Persian powder freely on the birds, and paint the cracks in the cages with corrosive sublimate, and then varnish over the places.]
Pearlwould be glad to know how to keep dormice, and what their habits are; she has just had two given to her, and one died the third day and the other only sleeps.—[They are fed chiefly on dry grain with a few nuts, and occasionally some blades of grass. They are shy, and sleep most of the day. During that time they want a quiet place and to be let alone, but when tame they will come out at night and climb up the curtains if allowed.]
A Guinea-pigasks what is the best food for guinea-pigs?—[They are fed like rabbits in the main, but may have a little bread and fresh milk squeezed rather dry, with a few bits of dry crust, or a few grains of wheat or barley occasionally. Every day give a little green food, dried first.]
SPECIAL HOME AND FOREIGN COMPETITION.
As already announced, the Editor has arranged, in response to repeated requests, for a Special "Picture Wanting Words" Competition, in which Readers ofLittle Folksresiding on the Continent and in the United States, Canada, &c. (or anywhere abroad), may have an opportunity of competing for Prizes on favourable terms with Subscribers in Great Britain. In order to do this, a longer time than usual for sending in answers to the Picture will be necessary; and as will be seen below, about Two Months will be allowed for this purpose in the present Competition. (Children living in Great Britain and Ireland will, of course, all be eligible to compete for Prizes as usual.)
Questions and Answers
The picture printed on this page forms the subject for the Competition, and the Prizes to be awarded are as follow:—For the Two best short andoriginalDescriptions of the Picture Two One-Guinea Books and Officers' Medals of theLittle FolksLegion of Honour will be given; for the next best Description a Half-Guinea Book and an Officer's Medal will be given; and Three Seven-Shilling-and-Sixpenny Books and Officers' Medals will also be given for the Three best Descriptionsrelatively to the age of the Competitors—so that no Competitor is too young to try for the three last-named Prizes. To avoid any possibility of mistake, and for the guidance of new Competitors, the full Regulations are given:—
1. No Description must exceed 500 words in length, and each must be written on one side of the paper only.
2. The Descriptions must be certified asstrictly originalby a Minister, Teacher, Parent, or some other responsible person.
3. All the Competitors must be under the age of Sixteen years.
4. Descriptions from Competitors residing in Great Britain and Ireland must reach the Editor on or before the 25th of October next; in the case of Descriptions sent from any place abroad an extension of time to the 1st of November will be allowed.
5. In addition to the Six Prizes and Officers' Medals, some of the most deserving Competitors will be included in a special List of Honour, and awarded Members' Medals of theLittle FolksLegion of Honour. The award of Prizes, in addition to One of the Prize Descriptions, will be printed in the January Number ofLittle Folks.
6. Competitors are requested to note that each envelope containing a Description should have the words "Picture Wanting Words" written on the left-hand top corner of it.
N.B.—Competitors are referred to a notice respecting the Silver Medal printed on page 115 of the last Volume.