OUR LITTLE FOLKS' OWN PAGE.

[Officers and Members are referred to a Special Notice on page 55.]

While the weather is bright and warm, children seldom lack amusement during their annual visit to the sea-side; but in this changeable climate of ours rainy days often occur, when out-door recreation is impossible, and little folk must be content to seek employment in the house. Many boys and girls while enjoying the fine days give a thought to these occasions, and lay in a store of matter for amusement in readiness for the time when the somewhat limited pursuits of indoor sea-side life will have lost their charms. It is a very good plan to make a collection of shells, seaweeds, pebbles, and such marine treasures while opportunities occur. These may be arranged and sorted at leisure, and will afford employment for many idle hours.

One almost unfailing source of amusement, within the reach of every boy and girl, is an aquarium. A great deal of pleasure and instruction will be found in the study of its various little inmates—no matter if their home consist of nothing more than a common earthenware pan. An establishment of this kind, however, demands constant attention, cleanliness and light being very necessary to the health of the fish.

Shells may be utilised in numerous pretty ways. If for a collection, the arrangement and classification of each species form a very pleasant employment. They may also be used to cover boxes, brackets, and such small articles with very good effect.

Neither does their use end here, for they may be tied in neat bags, and will then be gladly received by the secretaries of any Children's Hospitals, for the benefit of the patients.

Seaweeds, if neatly mounted, make very pretty collections, and are useful in the decoration of albums and Christmas cards. The easiest method of preparation is to float them on paper, after allowing them to expand in a basin of water. No gumming is required, but the larger specimens may be further secured by strips of paper pasted across the principal parts, after they have been thoroughly dried and pressed. They may be arranged in books like plants, the proper name and that of its locality being assigned to each variety.

Some boys seem to think it worth while to polish the pretty pebbles which are found on some shores, but this process is both tedious and unprofitable. In these days there are few children who do not possess a microscope; those who do will find innumerable interesting objects both for mounting and inspection.

"Variety is charming," as every one knows, and after a little recreation of this kind young people are often glad to return, by way of a change, to books, work, and sketching, and appreciate all the more a favourable rise in the barometer. But while so usefully and pleasantly employed they will soon learn to greet with less regret an occasional rainy day.

Hilda Frisby.2,St. Mary's Crescent, Leamington.(Aged 15.)Certified byJane A. Frisby(Mother).

When the day is fine and the sea calm, it is very pleasant to wade and splash about in the sunny water, and to roam among the rocks, searching for little crabs, many-coloured anemones, starfish, &c.; but when the rain is pouring down as if it would never stop, and the sea looks grey and dismal, it is sometimes difficult to amuse oneself within doors.

It is interesting to collect seaweed, though in pressing it, it is difficult to prevent the thin fibres from matting together when taken out of the water. One of the best methods is to float the seaweed on a plate, full of water, and after placing a piece of rather thick blotting-paper in the water, underneath the seaweed, to raise the paper suddenly out of the plate, when the water sinks through the blotting-paper, on which the most delicate parts of the seaweed remain spread out.

There are many games suitable for a rainy day; amongst them a poetry game, in which each player is provided with a slip of paper and a pencil. A circle is formed; every one writes a noun, and, folding down the line on which he has written, passes the paper to the next player, who writes a question on it. Each paper is then passed to the next person, who, unfolding it, has to make a short piece of poetry, not only introducing the noun but also answering the question.

When finished, the rhymes are read aloud, and generally cause much amusement.

This game can be varied by limiting the "nouns" to names of animals, with any absurd question concerning them: for instance—

"Porcupine," and"Does it like sweets?"The porcupine of many spinesAlways eats sweetmeats when it dines,'Tis very fond of chocolate-creams,And munches candy in its dreams.The little ones, as may be seen,On brandy-balls are very keen,And peppermints they will devour,And lemon-drops eat by the hour.

"Porcupine," and"Does it like sweets?"

The porcupine of many spinesAlways eats sweetmeats when it dines,'Tis very fond of chocolate-creams,And munches candy in its dreams.The little ones, as may be seen,On brandy-balls are very keen,And peppermints they will devour,And lemon-drops eat by the hour.

For girls, painting and drawing are a great pastime, and a very pretty and effective method of shading small landscapes is produced by drawing on smooth paper the outlines of a landscape (a sea view is the prettiest, with the moon shining on the water), and then painting with a weak solution of gum-arabic the lightest parts of the picture, such as the moon, the ripples, and the high lights. When quite dry, rub the whole surface over with lead-pencil dust, applied either with a stump or with chamois leather, till the whole becomes dark grey; then mark out with a B pencil the shadows of the rocks, &c. When everything is drawn, pass a damp handkerchief down the picture, which will wipe off the gum, leaving the places where it has been perfectly white.

Such occupations, although the day may be dull, will pass the time pleasantly within doors.

Margaret T. S. Beattie.St. Michael's, Torquay.(Aged 13.)Certified byE. Rogers(Teacher).

First Prize (One-Guinea Book),with Officer's Medal of the "Little Folks" Legion of Honour:—Hilda Frisby(15), 2, St. Mary's Crescent, Leamington.Second Prize(Seven-Shilling-and-Sixpenny Book),with Officer's Medal:—Margaret T. S. Beattie(13), St. Michael's, Torquay.Honourable Mention, with Member's Medal:—Edith M. Mason(14), 64, Park Walk, Chelsea, S.W.;Sharley Fullford(12), High Street, Fareham;Grace Pettman(14), Ladbroke, The Elms, Ramsgate;Sue May(12), 8, South Parade, Bedford Park;C. M. Battersby(15), Cromlyn, Rathowen, Co. W. Meath;Sybil A. Coventry(13-1/4), Severn Stoke Rectory, Worcester;May Johnson(15-3/4), Boldmere Road, Chester Road, near Birmingham;Leonard Watts(12-1/2), 12, Broadhurst Gardens, Finchley New Road N.

3, 5, 6, 17, 8, 2, 6 = A periodical wind.1, 13, 4, 10, 11, 18 = A contest.19, 23, 22, 21 = To utter reproach.7, 13, 6 = Gained.14, 20, 16, 21, 12 = A failing.15, 22, 9 = Design.What is the whole?

3, 5, 6, 17, 8, 2, 6 = A periodical wind.1, 13, 4, 10, 11, 18 = A contest.19, 23, 22, 21 = To utter reproach.7, 13, 6 = Gained.14, 20, 16, 21, 12 = A failing.15, 22, 9 = Design.

What is the whole?

The letters read down the centre form the name of a country in South America.

1. A country in Africa.2. A continent.3. A country in Europe.4. A town in Italy.5. A town in Palestine.6. A country in Europe.

Archibald Y. G. Campbell.Nassau House, Westward Ho.(Aged 12.)Bideford.

The initials read downwards give the name of an emperor of Rome.

1. A set of drawers.2. A workman.3. Part of a circle.4. An animal.5. An animal.6. A metal.7. A girl's name.8. A precious stone.

Helen Staudage.(Aged 15-1/2.)Yatchley Retreat, Prestbury,Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

1. Original; a wine.2. To divide; a country.3. The mark of a wound; a town represented in Parliament.4. A strife; a part of a candle.5. A hole; a negative conjunction.6. A female; part of the body.7. An animal; a passage.8. Labour; steeped in liquor.9. A noise; a joint of meat.

Adelaide Bentinck.Froyle House, near Alton, Hants.(Aged 10-3/4.)

A a b d e e e e e f f f h i i i k m n n r r s s t.2. A a d e e e i i j k m n n n o o p r r s s s t t u w y.3. A b c e e e e e h i i n n n o p r r r s t t t t u v.

A a b d e e e e e f f f h i i i k m n n r r s s t.

2. A a d e e e i i j k m n n n o o p r r s s s t t u w y.

3. A b c e e e e e h i i n n n o p r r r s t t t t u v.

Kate Smith.5, Royal Terrace, Portishead, Somerset.(Aged 11-1/2.)

The initials and finals read downwards will give the names of two trees.

1050 + obo = a blossom.750 + aænypoie = a dictionary.50 + pgfegi = a warm beverage.150 + ru = to twist.1000 + nuhea = kind.

Mabel H. M. Withers.Westcroft, Oakhill Road, Putney.(Aged 14.)

My initials read downwards give the name of a country of Asia, and the finals upwards give the name of one of the kings of that country.

1. A lake in Russia.2. A town in Hungary.3. A town in Switzerland.4. A lake in North America.5. An island in the Mediterranean.6. A town in Abyssinia.

T. Harrison.Acaster Hill, Easingwold, Yorkshire.(Aged 12-1/2).

My first is in elegant, but not in rough;My second is in lace, but not in cuff;My third is in earth, but not in ground;My fourth is in puppy, but not in hound;My fifth is in high, but not in low;My sixth is in reap, but not in sow;My seventh is in nibble, but not in devour;My eighth is in time, but not in hour;My ninth is in arrow, but not in bow;My whole is a cave we some of us know.

W. B. Bell.(Aged 12-1/2.)St. Georges Mount,New Brighton, Cheshire.

W. B. Bell.(Aged 12-1/2.)

St. Georges Mount,New Brighton, Cheshire.

Give the following quotation in full, with its author.

The * * * * sigh,* * * merry * * *And * * * * * not why,* glad * * had * *—A * * * n.

Florence M. Moffatt.7, Union Place, Aberdeen.(Aged 12-1/4.)

When the missing letters have been supplied, the whole will form the first verse of one of Macaulay's poems.

A×t×n×a×l×e×h×l×s×t×h×a×o×r×o×l×E×g×a×d×p×a×s×,I×e×l×f×h×t×r×c×f×m×u×d×e×s×h×w×o×g×t×n×n×i×n×d×y×,W×e×t×a×g×e×t×l×e×i×v×n×i×l×a×a×n×t×e×b×r×i×v×i×T×e×i×h×s×s×o×l×o×M×x×c×t×e×t×u×e×t×e×r×s×f×p×i×.

S. K. Horne.Vernon House, Lordship Lane, Dulwich.(Aged 13.)

The following are the arrangements which the Editor ofLittle Folkshas made in regard to Prize Puzzle Competitions for the six months ending December, 1884:—

I.The Summer Competition, consisting of Puzzles appearing in the July and the August Numbers.

II.The Home and Foreign Competition, specially introduced for the purpose of giving readers residing abroad an opportunity of competing on favourable terms. Particulars of this will appear in the September Number.

III.The Winter Competition, consisting of Puzzles appearing in the November and December Numbers.

I. In theSummer Competitionthere will be a First Prize of a Guinea Volume; a Second Prize of a Half-Guinea Volume; a Third Prize of a Five-Shilling Volume, awarded inEach Division, viz., theSenior Divisionfor girls and boys between the ages of 14 and 16 (inclusive), and theJunior Divisionfor thoseunder14 years of age. There will also be awards of Bronze Medals of theLittle FolksLegion of Honour to the three next highest of the Competitors following the Prizewinners ineachDivision.

II. In theHome and Foreign CompetitionSpecial and Additional Prizes will be offered, of which full particulars will be given in the September Number.

III. A List of Prizes in theWinter Competitionwill appear in the November and December Numbers.

Solutions of the Puzzles published in this number must reach the Editor not later than August 8th (August 12th for Competitors residing abroad), addressed as under:—

The Editor of "Little Folks;"La Belle Sauvage Yard,Answers to Puzzles.Ludgate Hill,Junior [or Senior] Division.London, E.C.

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.

The names and addresses of Prize and Medal winners will be duly published inLittle Folks.

(The first letters of each light are in consecutive order from A to L. Thus light one commences with A, light twelve with L.)

1. An English Queen you here will find,The last of Stuart line.2. His fierce attack of Russian steppesCommences his decline.3. Death standeth by—he saves himselfBy histeeth, I pray you note.4. Of the Great Seal and its keepersThis famed antiquary wrote.5. In preparing the first Greek TestamentMuch learning he displayed.6. A Bishop this, of Winchester,Who Richmond's cause did aid.7. A Tzar of Moscow, born, I think,In 1552.8. Minister of Charles I.;Historian also.9. A great Athenian orator,His writings tell his fame.10. A letter-writer much renowned;But who can tell his name?11. Mathematician and philosopher,In Sweden of great note.12. For this great English singerPurcell many a bass song wrote.

1. An English Queen you here will find,The last of Stuart line.

2. His fierce attack of Russian steppesCommences his decline.

3. Death standeth by—he saves himselfBy histeeth, I pray you note.

4. Of the Great Seal and its keepersThis famed antiquary wrote.

5. In preparing the first Greek TestamentMuch learning he displayed.

6. A Bishop this, of Winchester,Who Richmond's cause did aid.

7. A Tzar of Moscow, born, I think,In 1552.

8. Minister of Charles I.;Historian also.

9. A great Athenian orator,His writings tell his fame.

10. A letter-writer much renowned;But who can tell his name?

11. Mathematician and philosopher,In Sweden of great note.

12. For this great English singerPurcell many a bass song wrote.

The first letters of each light are in consecutive order from M to Y, omitting X. Thus light one commences with M, light eleven with W, and light twelve with Y.

1. Blenheim's splendid mansionTo this Duke the nation gave.2. He sought to reach the Northern PoleThrough ice-field and o'er wave.3. Greek grammarian and poet, whoOn fish- and hunt- ing wrote.4. In the train of P. EmiliusMarched this Persian king of note.5. His "Emblems" are delightful,Meeting many persons' needs.6. Emperor Ferdinand II.He delivered from the Swedes.7. Son of Antonio Tatti,A sculptor great you see.8. The greatest tragic actorThat the French have known was he.9. Italian priest and scholar,To whom Gregory [XIII.] gave a pension.10. He succeeded EleutheriusAs Rome's Bishop I may mention.11. In the Valley Forge he suffered,But he triumphed at the last.12. The "Night Thoughts" his other poemsI think certainly surpassed.

1. Blenheim's splendid mansionTo this Duke the nation gave.

2. He sought to reach the Northern PoleThrough ice-field and o'er wave.

3. Greek grammarian and poet, whoOn fish- and hunt- ing wrote.

4. In the train of P. EmiliusMarched this Persian king of note.

5. His "Emblems" are delightful,Meeting many persons' needs.

6. Emperor Ferdinand II.He delivered from the Swedes.

7. Son of Antonio Tatti,A sculptor great you see.

8. The greatest tragic actorThat the French have known was he.

9. Italian priest and scholar,To whom Gregory [XIII.] gave a pension.

10. He succeeded EleutheriusAs Rome's Bishop I may mention.

11. In the Valley Forge he suffered,But he triumphed at the last.

12. The "Night Thoughts" his other poemsI think certainly surpassed.

1.Squirrel.2.Anchovy.3.Lagotis.4.Alligator.5.Mammoth.6.Aristotle's lantern.7.Nightingale.8.Digitigrades.9.Eagle.10.Rhombus minimus.

CLASS I.—Consisting of those who have gained eleven marks:—E. Maynard.

CLASS II.—Consisting of those who have gained ten marks or less:—A. Bradbury, H. Blunt, M. Bradbury, N. Besley, G. Burne, F. Callcott, J. Cooper, M Cooper, H. Cholmondeley, G. Clayton, A. Chappell, G. Dundas, A. Elliot, C. Gilbert, A. Garnham, H. Gill, E. Hobson, C. Hart, D. von. Hacht, B. Hudson, M. Heddle, M. Jakeman, J. Lewenz, H. Leake, H. Leah, E. A. Lloyd, A. M. Lynch, B. Law, C. J. Mather, E. McCaul, C. Morin, J. Puckle, E. Pratt, E. Rudd, C. Stanton, W. Seymer, M. Addison-Scott, A. Stoneham, G. Sayer, A. Solomon, B. Tomlinson, U. Tracy, L. Webb, K. Williams, A. Wilson, E. Wedgwood, E. F. Woolf, W. C. Wilson. N.B.—All competitors have been credited with light eight, as a letter was accidentally omitted. Notwithstanding this we are pleased to note that the light was correctly solved by many competitors.

1.Robin Redbreast.2.Exocetus exiliens.3.Iguanodon.4.Narwhal.5.Dormouse,6.Eider Duck.7.Elephant.8.Ringdove.

CLASS I.—Consisting of those who have gained nine marks:—A. Allsebrook, F. H. C. Burne, D. Blunt, L. Besley, L. Biddle, E. Brake. F. Boreham, C. Burne, A. Coombs. F. Clayton, F. Cooper, C. Crawford, S. Cuthill, M. Callcott, J. Cooper, J. Chapman, R. Dutton, P. Davidson, E. Ellis, E. Evans, L. Forrest, S. Fullford, L. Gill, M. Golledge, F. Howard, M. Howard, W. Johnson, A. King, M. McLaren, N. Maxwell, A. Marinden, F. Newman, E. Quilter, M. Crompton-Roberts, K. Simson, E. Stanley, E. Stanton, M. Somerville, M. Wood-Smith, L. Stibbs, M. McCalman Turpie, I. Williams, M. Watson, M. Wiper, E. Yeo.

CLASS II.—Consisting of those who have gained eight marks or less:—E. Coombes, E. Carrington, V. L. Coombes, H. A. Coombes, H. Chappell, E. Elston, E. Fussell, E. E. Gruning, L. Hudson, K. Hawkins, M. Hobson, P. Hale, J. King, A. E. M. Kelly, J. Lancum, A. Leah, W. Lewenz, K. F. Lynch, C. Moody, H. Muggleston, G. O'Morris, H. Mayer, A. P. McDermott, E. Nicholson, G. Price, E. Raven, H. Smith, L. Stoneham, M. Snowball, H. Talbot, E. Tice, L. Walpole, M. Wigram, F. H. Woolf, K. Wedgwood, B. de St. Pierre.

The List of Prize and Medal winners for the Second Quarter of 1884 will appear in the next Number.

Note.—In place of "Anne" as light four of the Senior Division of No. 16 read "Parr," Anne being a misprint.

[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.]

Ethel Read.—[All work ofevery kindin the Competitions must be done by Competitorsunaided. The articles in the Plain Needlework Competition are not to be washed before being sent in.—Ed.]

AnArmadillowrites, in answer toRags and Tatters, that the lines beginning—

"Bear through sorrow, wrong, and ruth," &c.

are found in the fourteenth verse of Longfellow's "Maidenhood." Answers also received fromElaine,TattieCoram, andAn Amazon Queen.

Lady of the Lakeasks for the name of the author of the piece of poetry called "The Three Crowns."

Tadpoleasks if any one can tell her the origin of "Blind-man's buff."

L. J. F. writes, in answer toMay Williamson, that the following are the rules for "Bell and Hammer":—"Any number of persons may play, one of whom must be appointed cashier. The cashier then distributes an equal number of counters to each player, puts up for sale the five cards separately, and knocks them down with the hammer to the highest bidder. The produce is put into the pool; each player must pay four counters into the pool. The cashier has first throw, and when all blanks are thrown each player pays one to the holder of the white horse. If with the blanks the bell, or hammer, or both are thrown, the owner of such card pays one to the holder of the white horse. When numbers and blanks are thrown the cashier pays the amount to the player from the pool. When the pool is nearly empty there arises an advantage to the inn, for if the amount of the number thrown exceeds what is in the pool the player pays the overplus to the owner of the inn. If all blanks are thrown after the inn begins to receive, the owner of the white horse pays one to the inn, and should the bell or hammer be thrown with blanks the owner pays one to the inn. But if numbers accompany the bell or hammer, the owner of such card must pay to the inn the number thrown above those remaining in the pool. The game is stopped by some one throwing exactly the same number as is in the pool. The one who has most counters wins the game." Answers also received fromIrene Fedrigo,A Busy Bee,Henbane,Fuzzellyboo, andTadpole.

Astartesends the following directions, in answer to W. M.'s question as to how to make a pair of baby's woollen shoes, suitable for a bazaar:—"One ounce of white Berlin wool. A chain of thirty-four stitches; double-crochet into this for thirty rows, taking the back stitch, so as to form a rib. Then crochet fifteen stitches, turn and go back to end of row, then go back again for fourteen stitches, and so on, taking one less each time until there are only seven left. This has to be done on both sides of the leg, so as to form the foot. Break off the wool, fasten it on at the top of the leg, then crochet down as far as the instep, and back again, doing one less each time till there are only two stitches left. Then down as far as the instep do an edging of treble crochet, then work another edging (button-hole stitch) all round the edging of flourishing thread. Then join the foot loosely down the middle, and sew up the leg so that the part increased flaps over. For the sole of foot make a chain of fourteen stitches, work it up and down till there are thirteen ribs; in the last two rows a stitch must be left out at each corner. Sew the sole on to the foot and the boot is finished."

Snow-Flakewould be much obliged if any one would tell her how to make almond rock.

RubyandA Strawberrywish to know how to make toffee and butter scotch.

Dicky Wyattwrites, in answer toHelvellyn, that the word "Kettledrum" means a large social party. Among the Tartars a "kettle" represents a family, or as many as feed from one kettle; and on Tweedside it signifies a "social party," met together to take tea from the same tea-kettle; hence any social party. Of course the play upon this meaning of the word and the instrument called a kettledrum is intentional, the word "drum" meaning a crowded "evening party," "drum," applying to the close packing, as, a drum of figs. Answer also received fromA Busy Bee.

Lunawould be glad if any one would tell her how to dry gorse, and how to dry "lords and ladies."

W. Routledgeasks how to make a graph for copying letters, &c.

Eustaciewould be glad to know if radish would kill canaries; also if gas would hurt them?—[Gas is always injurious; we should not think radish was, unless it were given rather suddenly and freely after long denial of green food; but we never tried this particular kind of vegetable diet.]

Electrawants to know what is the matter with her hen canary. The bird is losing all the feathers from her neck, though it is not yet the time for moulting. Is it good for her to have green food every day?—[Green food is good in moderation. It is impossible to tell the reason for the loss of feathers with no other symptoms; see if the bird is infested with mites, and if so use Persian powder freely. You can do no harm to anoint the bare places with vaseline. Unmated hens are very apt to get out of sorts at the breeding season.]

A Guinea Book and an Officer's Medal of theLittle FolksLegion of Honour will be given for the best short andoriginalDescription of this Picture. A smaller Book and an Officer's Medal will be given, in addition, for the best Descriptionrelatively to the age of the Competitor. All Competitors must be under the age of 16 years, and their Descriptions must be certified by Ministers, Teachers, Parents, or other responsible persons, and reach the Editor by the 9th of August next (the 15th of August for Competitors residing abroad). In addition to theTwoPrizes and Officers' Medals, some of the most deserving Competitors will be included in a List of Honour, and will be awarded Members' Medals of theLittle FolksLegion of Honour. (See the notice about the Silver Medal on page 115 of the last Volume.)

RIDDLE-ME-REE.—Violet.

TRANSPOSED LETTER PUZZLE.

1. "All is not gold that glitters."2. "Pride will have a fall."3. "Handsome is that handsome does."

HIDDEN PROVERB.

"Every cloud has a silver lining."

ARITHMOREM.

1. Livingstone.2. La Place.3. Milton.4. America.5. Schumann.6. London.

SINGLE ACROSTIC—Edward.

1.Edith.2.Den.3.Water.4.Arm.5.Race.6.Duck.

DOUBLE ACROSTIC—Flounder—Mackerel.

1. AFfirMs.2. ALAs.3. COaCh.4. BUllocKs.5.INdEx.6. ADheRe.7.FEEl8. ARticLe.

MISSING LETTER PUZZLE

"I fear thee, ancient mariner!I fear thy skinny hand!And thou art long, and lank, and brown.As is the ribbed sea-sand."

SQUARE WORD.

1. MARY.2. AREA.3. REAR.4. YARN.

POETICAL REBUS.

"The curfew tolls the knell of parting day,The lowing herd winds slowly o'er the lea;The ploughman homeward plods his weary way.And leaves the world to darkness and to me."

Gray'sElegy.

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