Touch me not, I’m firm and sure;Behead, I’m used by rich and poor;In house and cottage, hut and hall,I stand of service to them all.Behead again, in time of needI tell that strength and skill succeed.
Touch me not, I’m firm and sure;Behead, I’m used by rich and poor;In house and cottage, hut and hall,I stand of service to them all.Behead again, in time of needI tell that strength and skill succeed.
Touch me not, I’m firm and sure;Behead, I’m used by rich and poor;In house and cottage, hut and hall,I stand of service to them all.Behead again, in time of needI tell that strength and skill succeed.
Solution
Shake up the sixteen letters of these four words, and recast them into four otherwords:—
Image
These fresh words, placed on the white squares, must read alike from side to side, and zigzag from top to bottom. The first word is MASK.
Solution
What river is that, where it is found,Which Pope says does with eels abound?What Scottish lake, by high hills bounded,Is with bright birch and oak surrounded?What stream is said in Devon to runInto the sea near Otterton?What bay on Cuba’s distant coastIs justly deemed its pride and boast?The initials of these names will showA Scotch reformer, who, we know,Flourished three hundred years ago.
What river is that, where it is found,Which Pope says does with eels abound?What Scottish lake, by high hills bounded,Is with bright birch and oak surrounded?What stream is said in Devon to runInto the sea near Otterton?What bay on Cuba’s distant coastIs justly deemed its pride and boast?The initials of these names will showA Scotch reformer, who, we know,Flourished three hundred years ago.
What river is that, where it is found,Which Pope says does with eels abound?What Scottish lake, by high hills bounded,Is with bright birch and oak surrounded?What stream is said in Devon to runInto the sea near Otterton?What bay on Cuba’s distant coastIs justly deemed its pride and boast?The initials of these names will showA Scotch reformer, who, we know,Flourished three hundred years ago.
Solution
Take the letters which form the words in these sixteencells—
Image
and recast them so that they form a perfect word square.
Solution
My whole may be a mother, not a dad,So former may, or latter;But twist my tail, and I become as madAs any hatter!Behead me, and behold I am a man,Who never was called mister;Cut off my tail, and instantly I canBecome a sister!
My whole may be a mother, not a dad,So former may, or latter;But twist my tail, and I become as madAs any hatter!Behead me, and behold I am a man,Who never was called mister;Cut off my tail, and instantly I canBecome a sister!
My whole may be a mother, not a dad,So former may, or latter;But twist my tail, and I become as madAs any hatter!
Behead me, and behold I am a man,Who never was called mister;Cut off my tail, and instantly I canBecome a sister!
Solution
There are five English words in thissquare:—
Image
Can you shake up their letters, and recast them into five other words which form a perfect word square, and read alike from top to bottom and from left to right? The first fresh word is CRESS.
Solution
Five familiar proverbs are hidden in this square of 169 letters,
Image
The proverbs are arranged in a regular sequence.
Solution
We are familiar with the anagram that so charmingly points to the ministrations on the battle-field of Florence Nightingale—Flit on, cheering angel—but it is not so well known that her name can also be recast with an appropriate wish for her continuance in our loving memory. Can you frame this?
Solution
A French sentence of 100 letters in twenty-two words is concealed in these 100 cells.
Image
It can be deciphered by means of a cardboard mask of similar size, with circular holes cut out in some of its cells. This is placed squarely over the diagram, turned round in four successive positions. And thus the sequence of letters is found, and falls into words.
Solution
The instant popularity of this clever puzzle was amazing, and its sale is said to have run into millions years ago in America.
Donkey puzlle
Cut the pony into six pieces, as is indicated in the picture, and rearrange these so that they show a trotting horse.
Solution
I ama manI rate youa beastYou know me.
Can you put this into shape?
Solution
Here is another of Sam Loyd’s famous trickpictures:—
Puzzle
Can you rearrange the parts to show jockeys and horses in racing trim?
Solution
My first, thou knowest, was in ancient Rome,Rome’s fate my next, and one that all may dread.Long may it be before that fate shall come,And sever with my whole thy life’s last thread!
My first, thou knowest, was in ancient Rome,Rome’s fate my next, and one that all may dread.Long may it be before that fate shall come,And sever with my whole thy life’s last thread!
My first, thou knowest, was in ancient Rome,Rome’s fate my next, and one that all may dread.Long may it be before that fate shall come,And sever with my whole thy life’s last thread!
Solution
This boy is sure that if he takes his time, and watches his opportunity, he will be able to reach and secure with his mouth the sugar on the chair. Will he?
Balancing chair
Solution
The names of eight famous British poets are buried in these lines—that is to say, the letters that spell the names form in their proper order parts of differentwords:—
The sun is darting rays of goldUpon the moor, enchanting spot,Whose purpled heights, by Ronald loved,Up open to his shepherd cot.And sundry denizens of airAre flying—aye, each to his nest;And eager make at such an hourAll haste to reach the mansions blest.
The sun is darting rays of goldUpon the moor, enchanting spot,Whose purpled heights, by Ronald loved,Up open to his shepherd cot.And sundry denizens of airAre flying—aye, each to his nest;And eager make at such an hourAll haste to reach the mansions blest.
The sun is darting rays of goldUpon the moor, enchanting spot,Whose purpled heights, by Ronald loved,Up open to his shepherd cot.
And sundry denizens of airAre flying—aye, each to his nest;And eager make at such an hourAll haste to reach the mansions blest.
Can you dig them up?
Solution
Here are six little hoptoads, as our cousins across the water call them, three white and three black, going in opposite directions. A frog may jump, one, two, or three steps, but no two may be together at any time.
Frogs
In how few jumps can the black frogs be seated to the left of their white brothers? It is obvious that one of the white frogs must jump first to the stool marked 1.
Solution
This multiplies me, I declare,Though it reduces one;A sty is foul if it is there,By it a deed is done.
This multiplies me, I declare,Though it reduces one;A sty is foul if it is there,By it a deed is done.
This multiplies me, I declare,Though it reduces one;A sty is foul if it is there,By it a deed is done.
Solution
Lennie......the words he read,Studying......fable;Lennie’s mother......the bread,Sophy......the table.“Work while you are......,” they said“......while you are able!”
Lennie......the words he read,Studying......fable;Lennie’s mother......the bread,Sophy......the table.“Work while you are......,” they said“......while you are able!”
Lennie......the words he read,Studying......fable;Lennie’s mother......the bread,Sophy......the table.“Work while you are......,” they said“......while you are able!”
Solution
A very curious old print, of which this might well be the title, was picked up on a bookstall. This picture shows clever designs for two of the digits:
Print1Se Pierot or Lun,A Figure of One.2Again he’s to view,A Figure of Two.
1Se Pierot or Lun,A Figure of One.2Again he’s to view,A Figure of Two.
1Se Pierot or Lun,A Figure of One.
1Se Pierot or Lun,A Figure of One.
1
Se Pierot or Lun,A Figure of One.
Se Pierot or Lun,A Figure of One.
2Again he’s to view,A Figure of Two.
2Again he’s to view,A Figure of Two.
2
Again he’s to view,A Figure of Two.
Again he’s to view,A Figure of Two.
When I write with my first in my second,My whole is quite sure to be in.Divided afresh, there is reckonedA wit, or a something that’s thin.Prefix a letter, and, as dear as paint,You see the name of an old English Saint.
When I write with my first in my second,My whole is quite sure to be in.Divided afresh, there is reckonedA wit, or a something that’s thin.Prefix a letter, and, as dear as paint,You see the name of an old English Saint.
When I write with my first in my second,My whole is quite sure to be in.Divided afresh, there is reckonedA wit, or a something that’s thin.Prefix a letter, and, as dear as paint,You see the name of an old English Saint.
Solution
Here is the second pair of this queercompany:—
Print3Now ’tis plain you may see,He’s a Figure of Three.4Behold him once more,A Figure of Four.
3Now ’tis plain you may see,He’s a Figure of Three.4Behold him once more,A Figure of Four.
3Now ’tis plain you may see,He’s a Figure of Three.
3Now ’tis plain you may see,He’s a Figure of Three.
3
Now ’tis plain you may see,He’s a Figure of Three.
Now ’tis plain you may see,He’s a Figure of Three.
4Behold him once more,A Figure of Four.
4Behold him once more,A Figure of Four.
4
Behold him once more,A Figure of Four.
Behold him once more,A Figure of Four.
My first, though half a noisy bird,To a slight noise may turn;My second twist, a stately word,And it will bend we learn.
My first, though half a noisy bird,To a slight noise may turn;My second twist, a stately word,And it will bend we learn.
My first, though half a noisy bird,To a slight noise may turn;My second twist, a stately word,And it will bend we learn.
Solution
To half of ten add one,Then half a score.When this is duly doneAlmost ten more.This can be good for none,But trial sore.
To half of ten add one,Then half a score.When this is duly doneAlmost ten more.This can be good for none,But trial sore.
To half of ten add one,Then half a score.When this is duly doneAlmost ten more.This can be good for none,But trial sore.
Solution
Here is the third pair of these quaintcharacters:—
Print5Now here we contriveTo make him a Five6He’s a Six here complete,With his hands to his feet.
5Now here we contriveTo make him a Five6He’s a Six here complete,With his hands to his feet.
5Now here we contriveTo make him a Five
5Now here we contriveTo make him a Five
5
Now here we contriveTo make him a Five
Now here we contriveTo make him a Five
6He’s a Six here complete,With his hands to his feet.
6He’s a Six here complete,With his hands to his feet.
6
He’s a Six here complete,With his hands to his feet.
He’s a Six here complete,With his hands to his feet.
A proverb of eight words is buriedhere:—
I fancy this Tory outcry, this weary outrageous attempt to show illegality, is as a cat chasing snow-flakes. I must be forgiven if I shun his example.
Solution
Quick.......in action, now timid, now bold,Like.......of ropes far too rotten to hold,.......a..............and disastersFor a State that.......not incapable masters.
Quick.......in action, now timid, now bold,Like.......of ropes far too rotten to hold,.......a..............and disastersFor a State that.......not incapable masters.
Quick.......in action, now timid, now bold,Like.......of ropes far too rotten to hold,.......a..............and disastersFor a State that.......not incapable masters.
The six missing words are spelt with the same seven letters.
Solution
Here is another pair of these quaintfigures:—
Print7With some alteration,A Seven’s his station.8Here not being strait,He forms a good eight.
7With some alteration,A Seven’s his station.8Here not being strait,He forms a good eight.
7With some alteration,A Seven’s his station.
7With some alteration,A Seven’s his station.
7
With some alteration,A Seven’s his station.
With some alteration,A Seven’s his station.
8Here not being strait,He forms a good eight.
8Here not being strait,He forms a good eight.
8
Here not being strait,He forms a good eight.
Here not being strait,He forms a good eight.
My first as an heir,My second a snare,My whole is the offspring of fancy,Which I sent on its wayLast Valentine’s Day,As a token of love to my Nancy.
My first as an heir,My second a snare,My whole is the offspring of fancy,Which I sent on its wayLast Valentine’s Day,As a token of love to my Nancy.
My first as an heir,My second a snare,My whole is the offspring of fancy,Which I sent on its wayLast Valentine’s Day,As a token of love to my Nancy.
Solution
My love shall never know my first,Shall never be my second;It shall my all, come best, come worst,Be surely reckoned.
My love shall never know my first,Shall never be my second;It shall my all, come best, come worst,Be surely reckoned.
My love shall never know my first,Shall never be my second;It shall my all, come best, come worst,Be surely reckoned.
Solution
Here is the finalpair:—
Final print9While drinking his Wine,He appears like a nine.0Nine Forms having pastHe’s a Cypher at last.
9While drinking his Wine,He appears like a nine.0Nine Forms having pastHe’s a Cypher at last.
9While drinking his Wine,He appears like a nine.
9While drinking his Wine,He appears like a nine.
9
While drinking his Wine,He appears like a nine.
While drinking his Wine,He appears like a nine.
0Nine Forms having pastHe’s a Cypher at last.
0Nine Forms having pastHe’s a Cypher at last.
0
Nine Forms having pastHe’s a Cypher at last.
Nine Forms having pastHe’s a Cypher at last.
I am a letter, and a word,I am a tree, I am a name,Cut me in pieces with a sword,You and your act would be the same.Thrice you must leave the aspirate in doubt,And use it twice if you would find me out.
I am a letter, and a word,I am a tree, I am a name,Cut me in pieces with a sword,You and your act would be the same.Thrice you must leave the aspirate in doubt,And use it twice if you would find me out.
I am a letter, and a word,I am a tree, I am a name,Cut me in pieces with a sword,You and your act would be the same.Thrice you must leave the aspirate in doubt,And use it twice if you would find me out.
Solution
If you “resist disasters,” how may this affect one of your home circle?
Solution
1 × 8 + 1 = 912 × 8 + 2 = 98123 × 8 + 3 = 9871234 × 8 + 4 = 987612345 × 8 + 5 = 98765123456 × 8 + 6 = 9876541234567 × 8 + 7 = 987654312345678 × 8 + 8 = 98765432123456789 × 8 + 9 = 987654321
My first the rainbow showsWhen in rich hues it glows.My next has vowels three;My third was once a tree.My fourth begins the year,My whole the past makes clear.
My first the rainbow showsWhen in rich hues it glows.My next has vowels three;My third was once a tree.My fourth begins the year,My whole the past makes clear.
My first the rainbow showsWhen in rich hues it glows.My next has vowels three;My third was once a tree.My fourth begins the year,My whole the past makes clear.
Solution
If you tell a schoolboy that the longest side of a triangular field measures 100 rods, and that each of the other sides measures 50 rods, and ask him to estimate the value of its grass at £1 per acre, how should he answer?
Solution
Less than my last, my whole has placeBetween my first and second:Second has body, arms and face;First is by inches reckoned.
Less than my last, my whole has placeBetween my first and second:Second has body, arms and face;First is by inches reckoned.
Less than my last, my whole has placeBetween my first and second:Second has body, arms and face;First is by inches reckoned.
Solution
What is the smallest number of straight lines which can be drawn within this square so as to enclose each of the wheels within separate boundaries?
Circles
While solving this, rotate the paper in your hand, and see the wheels spin.
Solution
My first at early morn the camp alarms,And at its sound the soldier springs to arms;My second nowadays fair ladies scorn,Though in less dainty days it oft was worn.My whole, a battle fought on Scottish ground,With victory the rebel forces crowned.
My first at early morn the camp alarms,And at its sound the soldier springs to arms;My second nowadays fair ladies scorn,Though in less dainty days it oft was worn.My whole, a battle fought on Scottish ground,With victory the rebel forces crowned.
My first at early morn the camp alarms,And at its sound the soldier springs to arms;My second nowadays fair ladies scorn,Though in less dainty days it oft was worn.My whole, a battle fought on Scottish ground,With victory the rebel forces crowned.
Solution
A market gardener who has a large square plot of ground wishes to reserve a fourth of it in the shape of a triangle for himself, as is shown in thediagram—
Plot
and to divide the remainder among his four sons, so that each shares equally, with plots of similar shape. How did he mark it out for them?
This appears in a less perfect form in “The Twentieth Century Standard Puzzle Book.”
Solution
Here is a simple little puzzle which may amuse anyone who has paper and pencil athand:—
Puzzle
Can you combine three figures similar to Fig. A with two similar to Fig. B, so that a perfect Latin cross is formed?
It is, of course, an easier matter to cut out five such pieces in paper or cardboard, and arrange them in the form required.
Solution
I love strolling.......that wander around,Each.......a.......in versatile skill;Each.......so quaint, each idea so profound,My barn’s at their service, whenever they will.A company played there last night, but to-dayDucks......., and poultry have vanished away!
I love strolling.......that wander around,Each.......a.......in versatile skill;Each.......so quaint, each idea so profound,My barn’s at their service, whenever they will.A company played there last night, but to-dayDucks......., and poultry have vanished away!
I love strolling.......that wander around,Each.......a.......in versatile skill;Each.......so quaint, each idea so profound,My barn’s at their service, whenever they will.A company played there last night, but to-dayDucks......., and poultry have vanished away!
The missing words are spelt with the same seven letters.
Solution
Four poor men were living in the cottages shown in this diagram, round a central lake well stocked with fish. Four rich men built their houses further afield, and selfishly determined to exclude their neighbours from access to the water.
Houses
How could they do this effectually without cutting themselves off from the lake?
Solution
150 hat robe or tent
Can you form from this the name of a famous British author, treating the 150 as Roman numerals?
Solution
Cut out in cardboard four pieces of the shape and size of each of the large patterns, and two pieces of the smallone:—
Patterns
Now arrange these ten pieces so that they form a perfect square.
Solution
I’m a worker most active, most useful, most known,Of all that are busy in country and town.Take from me one letter, and yet my good nameIn spite of this loss will continue the same.Take from me two letters, and still you will seeThat precisely the same in effect I shall be.Take from me three letters, or even take more,Yet still I continue as sound as before.
I’m a worker most active, most useful, most known,Of all that are busy in country and town.Take from me one letter, and yet my good nameIn spite of this loss will continue the same.Take from me two letters, and still you will seeThat precisely the same in effect I shall be.Take from me three letters, or even take more,Yet still I continue as sound as before.
I’m a worker most active, most useful, most known,Of all that are busy in country and town.Take from me one letter, and yet my good nameIn spite of this loss will continue the same.Take from me two letters, and still you will seeThat precisely the same in effect I shall be.Take from me three letters, or even take more,Yet still I continue as sound as before.
Solution
The dotted lines in this diagram show how the figure can be divided into nine parts by four straight cuts
Pointy figure
which can be reunited to form a perfect cross.
Solution
Tom Larkins, proud of his prize for arithmetic, challenged his sisters to show on a blackboard that if 50 is subtracted from the sum of the nine digits, the result is equal to the number obtained by dividing their sum by 3. How did he prove his point?
Solution
Take in paper or cardboard a figure made up of a square and half of a similar square,thus:—