MRS. BARR'S Russian Christmas story, "Michael and Feodosia," printed in this number, was unavoidably omitted from the January issue (for which it was written), because the engraving of the large illustration could not be completed in time for its appearance last month. The story will be no less welcome to our readers, who in one sense are now gainers by this after-Christmas gift.

WE have received several letters complaining that the "Song of the Bee," recently printed in this magazine, had been published long before, and in several quarters; and, later, a communication from Marion Douglass has come to us, in response to our inquiries, stating that she wrote the poem in question for the "Nursery " in the year 1872.

We can only regret our recent reproduction of the same lines, under the signature of another writer. They were accepted in good faith by ST. NICHOLAS, as at that time we had, of course, no knowledge of the earlier publication.

CAUTION TO YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHERS.

A CORRESPONDENT at Cambridge, Mass., writing of the use of cyanide of potassium in making ferrotype pictures, calls attention to the danger arising from its character as a poison, and urges the use of hyposulphite of soda instead of the cyanide as advised in the paragraph on ferrotypes in the December ST. NICHOLAS. In making "tin-types" by the old method, cyanide is commonly held by photographers to produce a much better result than the " "hypo," and is the ingredient in general use. Fortunately, the new dryplate method of tin-typing does away with the necessity for using the poison. This new method, referred to in the November number, is, for this and other reasons, much better for the amateur. Hyposulphite of soda is used in fixing the dry-plates.

At the editor's request, I would here warn amateur photographers that they should remember that many of the chemicals they use are more or less poisonous. Sulphuric acid, for instance, used in making up developers, is to be handled with the greatest care. Bottles containing such acids should be kept in a safe place, and distinctly labeled. It is not a bad plan to wear a pair of gloves when handling them. ALEXANDER BLACK.

O CHILDREN in the valley,

Do you ever chance to meet

A little maid I used to know,
With lightly tripping feet?

Her name is Alice; and her heart
Is happy as the day;

I pray you, greet her kindly,

If she should cross your way.

But you need n't bring her back to me;
To tell the truth, you know,
I have no wish to be again
That child of long ago.

Of course, it's lovely to be
young,
Sheltered from heat and cold;
But let me whisper in your ear:
"It's nice, too, to be old."

Geometry I touch no more;
And history I read
Instead of learning it by heart
As I had to once, indeed.

It's true, I don't read fairy tales
With quite the zest of yore;
But then I write them with a zest
I never felt before.

Of course, I'm very old; but then,
If I wish to play, you see,
There is up here upon the heights
Another little me.

He's ten years old and he's a boy;
A mischievous young elf;
But I like him every bit as well
As I used to like myself.

You need n't send that little girl,
Whose heart was full of joy,
Back to me now; I'd rather keep,
Instead of her, my boy!

Don't fear to climb, dear children,
So slowly day by day,
Out of the happy valley

Up to the heights away.

I know it's lovely to be young,
Sheltered from heat and cold;
But let me whisper in your ear:
"It's nicer to be old."

ALICE WELLINGTON ROLLINS.

HALIFAX, N. S.

DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I saw a letter in the November number about a kitten, and thought I would tell you about mine.

It is a dear little Maltese kitten, and came all the way from St. John. I am sure my kitty enjoyed her day in the drawing-room car, although you may be sure she was not there much of the time. Far from it she was everywhere.

As my mother was leaving the station, she was handed through the window by the son of the lady whom mother had been visiting. The basket had a net over the top, but pussy soon got her head through that; indeed, it was wonderful she did not choke getting out of that basket. One minute she would be in the smoking-car, on some gentleman's back, and the next she would be sleeping peacefully in mamma's lap. However, she was brought home safely, and is now learning to jump and beg very nicely.

I enjoy your magazine very much, and indeed the whole family do, especially my father. I have taken you for five years.

Your admiring reader,

ESSIE T

SONOMA, CAL.

"

He is a very

DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I am a little girl eleven years old, and live in Sonoma. I love to read you. Juan and Juanita was a very pretty story. I always enjoy the Letter-box. I think it might interest some readers to hear about my pets; as my dog is dead, I have only four, but one is a very rare one. I have a pony, who is rather old: a black cat, a canary, and a monkey. curious little fellow; his name is "Yetto"; his size is about one foot. "Yetto "has smooth gray and black hair, a small pink face, and a funny long tail; he has large, brown, expressive eyes. I have tried for a year to tame him, but in vain; he runs and romps about in Papa's conservatory, and at night curls up in a box, in a soft shawl. He lets me feed him with bananas, grapes, apples, and milk, and bread; but if I try to touch him he makes a queer noise, "chink," and rushes up the big gum-tree. I don't go to school, but take lessons at home, English, German, French, and music, and in the afternoon I play with my four little cousins, our gardens lie opposite, their names are Willy, Frida, Doris, and Ernest, the baby. We have glorious times, and splendid games together. Good-bye, dear Your constant reader, AGNES D-.

ST. NICHOLAS.

CHICAGO, ILL.

DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I seldom see letters from this city in your "Letter-box.

I enjoy the " Personally Conducted" series by Mr. Frank R. Stockton the most of all. We take them to school, and our teacher reads them to us as we come to the countries. I hope that Mr. Stockton will write some more.

I have not any pets, as most of your correspondents have, but I have something that is much better, five brothers and sisters. With hopes that you will publish my letter, I remain, yours truly, KATHARINE B—.

WASHINGTON, D. C. DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I am a little girl, eight years old. I was born here in Washington, and all my life have lived where I could see the beautiful Capitol, with the "Goddess of Liberty" on top of the dome. I used to think she was an Indian, when I was younger. We have been taking you a long time. I enjoyed the story of "Little Lord Fauntleroy" ever so much, and hope the same lady that wrote it will soon write another one as sweet as that was. I like your dog stories, too. We had a dear little dog. Her name was Belle. She was so smart! One day we went out for a ride, and shut her up in the back-yard; but when we returned she had dug a hole under the fence, and was having a fine frolic out in the street. The next day, when we went out, my brother chained her up in the stable. When we came home, she had hung herself by jumping over a beam. Fortunately, she was still alive. We concluded she was too lively for a city dog, and gave her to a kind farmer. Your little friend,

PEARL L. H———.

Beauty is timid and does not play so much, except when you pull a string around the room. She plays with the little kitten sometimes, not often.

Beauty will knock on the door if she is left out long enough. Once Beauty brought one of the little kittens up-stairs to the third floor from the cellar, but she had to drop it on every step; when she got on the last step she was so tired that she had to pant. One day my mother went up-stairs, and there was Beauty and the kitten. She went to the lounge and took the little kitten in her hands, but Beauty knocked it out. My mother thought it might be a mistake, but she did it again. Just then our dressmaker came in, and my mother told her about it. Then to show that it was true, she went to the lounge and took it in her hand, but Beauty knocked it out the third time. Smut will take pop-corn in her paws and eat it just the same as a squirrel would eat nuts. We think a good deal of our FRANK T

cats.

PORTSMOUTH, OHIO.

DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I have a question that I would like to ask your readers. Probably some of your English friends can answer it. Why were not all the kings of England crowned immediately upon ascending the throne?

I will this Christmas commence my eighth year of taking the ST. NICHOLAS. I would n't give it up under any considerations. Your friend, M. M. M.

DALLAS, TEXAS.

DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I see in your Letter-box many questions and answers, so I thought I would get you to answer one for me; or, if you have not time, please publish it, and let any who will, answer it.

The distance from Station A to Station B, on the railroad, is five miles. The caboose of a freight-train one mile long leaves Station A; the conductor is on the caboose. When the engine reaches Station B, the conductor is on the engine, having walked the length of the train while it was moving. How far has he ridden ? and how far has he walked?

I do not ask this for mere idle curiosity. I am seeking information; and by answering, you will greatly oblige

66

Your sincere friend and well-wisher,

FANNIE F

STILLWATER, MINN.

DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: We have never seen any letters from this place, so we thought we would write one. We are two "chums" (in school-girl language), and are members of a delightful club called the "Belmont." We have no dumb creatures for pets, as most boys and girls who write to the ST. NICHOLAS have; but one of us has a dear little baby brother, who is just the cutest and liveliest little fellow you ever saw. His name is Tom; and as the the other has no pets, we go halves," so to speak. We are looking forward to the completion of a high-school building with great delight, as we expect to enter the school as soon as the building completed. We both think the ST. NICHOLAS the best and most interesting magazine published, and were wild over "Little Lord Fauntleroy" and "Juan and Juanita," besides numerous other stories-especially Miss Alcott's. Hoping that our letter is not too long to be published, we remain Your devoted admirers,

BAY S. and HELEN P. K—.

STRATFORD, CANADA.

DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I am a little girl, not yet seven years old. None of your little friends love you more than I do. My Uncle Jack who lives in Battleford, N. W. T., sends you to me. I have had you one year. I like your stories so much, and can read them quite well. This place is called after Shakespeare's birthplace, and the river, too, is called Avon, and the wards of the city after characters in his plays, such as Romeo ward, Hamlet ward, etc. We have great fun here in winter, tobogganing and sleigh-riding. I hope I may see this in print, for I have often written to you but never made my letters neat enough to send. I do not go to school my mother teaches me for one hour every day. Your loving little friend, NORA M.

PHILADELPHIA, PA.

DEAR ST. NICHOLAS . Auntie says I may tell you how we saw the Prince of Wales.

We were walking in Green Park, London, when we saw a number of carriages passing, full of officers in full dress.

I went up to a very tall policeman. He said if we walked fast we would see the Prince go from Marlborough House to St. James's Palace. We got there just in time to see the royal carriages drive out. First came the carriage with Prince Christian in it, and in the second carriage (which was all of red and gold, with coachman and three footmen in red plush and white satin liveries, and lots of gold lace, and large white powdered wigs) sat the Prince of Wales in scarlet uniform and holding his hat in his lap. He is very handAs we walked back, we met the tall policeman; he asked if

some.

I had seen the Prince?

NOTTING HILL, LONDON, W. DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I have never written to you before, but I hope my letter will be printed. I have taken you for more than a year, and like you very much. My two favorite stories are "Juan and Juanita" and "Jenny's Boarding-house." I have just had one year's copies bound, and am going to have the same next year. We have just come home from the sea-side, where we were staying for twǝ months; my brother and I bathed every day, and very often went out fishing. I am the only one at home, as my brother goes to school We had two little canaries, but one died the other day, so now we only have one. It is so tame that it will perch on my fingers or my head. It flies about the room nearly all day, and once I found it in a room with the window open - but it never attempted to get out. must now end, as I have nothing more to say.

Yours sincerely,

Believe me, EVELYN G.

I

BROOKLYN, N. Y. DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: We have two cats. Their names are Beauty and Smut. Smut likes pop-corn and candy. We have a weather-strip on our front door; it is loose at the bottom, and when we lock Smut outdoors she will knock on the door by pulling the weather-strip with her paws; we can hear her in the third story.

NEW YORK CITY.

MY DEAREST ST. NICHOLAS: For eight years you have brought joy and pleasure into our home every month. I was nine years old when my grandmother sent you to me; I am seventeen now, but enjoy your interesting stories as much as ever. I can hardly await the day of your coming; and, when you do come, I have time for nothing else till I have read you through. Amongst all your charming stories, it is hard to say which I like best. I enjoyed "Little Lord Fauntleroy" and "Tinkham Brothers' Tide-mill" very much in their time. "The Brownies" possess a kind of fascination for me, and I study them by the hour. "Fiddle John's Family," as well as Juan and Juanita," I thought lovely stories. We live in the city in winter, and at Newport in summer. When here, I study at the Art Students' League—so you can well imagine what pleasure your pretty illustrations furnish me.

ers of the "

Letter-box" would like to hear a rather queer way to get a butterfly. One afternoon I found a butterfly-chrysalis and put it in a box. About two weeks after, when I looked at it, it was a butterfly. I think "Juan and Juanita and "Little Lord Fauntleroy" are the best stories I ever read. I have taken you two years, and I don't see how I could get along without you. So good-bye. Your affectionate reader, G. C. R.

SIOUX CITY, IOWA. DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: Perhaps you have never had a letter from Sioux City. Like many Western cities it has grown rapidly, and now numbers 30,000 inhabitants. Beginning October 3d, we had a grand harvest jubilee: The first corn palace ever erected was built and covered with ears of corn of various colors, arranged in many beautiful designs. A statue of King Corn sat on top over the main entrance. The palace was lighted by electric lights, and the President and Mrs. Cleveland honored it with their presence. At every crossing down our main street there were large arches of different colored globes, also one in front of the palace. The city was decorated in every possible manner with corn, and presented a fine appearance. There were street parades every day, including the different trades, and pioneer parades. Every afternoon there were Indian, horse, and bicycle races. Nearly all the Indians from the reservation were allowed to come into the city during the jubilee. Next year it is intended to build a much finer palace. This part of Iowa is noted for the fine crops

ALEXANDRIA, VA.

DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I have subscribed to you ever since 1878, and yet this is my first letter. I have a question to ask which I hope some of your young readers will be able to answer, or give some explanation of.

A person of moderate weight lies down on the floor, and six others stand around. Each of the six persons puts two fingers under the body of this person on the floor, ard at a given signal each one of the seven holds his breath, and without the slighest effort the body can be lifted as high as the arms can reach.

Now, what is the explanation of this? I have seen the experiment tried, and I know that it can be done, if the directions are strictly followed.

Hoping that some of your readers will be able to explain this singular fact, I remain, yours truly, FAITH M L——.

THE young friends whose names here follow have sent us pleasant letters, for which we present our thanks: Hortense Leffingwell, Louise Murphy, Harrie P. Avery, Ralph W. McHoes, Ida S., E. S. Coxe, Eleanor A., Amy Hamlet, Alice T. R., Joseph Haines, Lillian H., Evalina Hamilton, "A Texas Cadet," Mabel H., Helen, A. M. G., Bride Curtiss, Rita and Kitty C., Madge M. Lamb, Hortie O'Meara, Neva M. Vail, Colette, Clara G. Ambrose, Sophia P., and Julia B. Hill.

RHOMBOIDS.

I. ACROSS : 1. Imbecile. 2. A mountain nymph. 3. An old word meaning to endeavor to excel. 4. To work for. 5. Appears. DOWNWARD: 1. In salad. 2. Nay. 3. Rage. 4. Found in all optical instruments. 5. The edges of the roof of a building. 6. Dreadful. 7. A Biblical name. 8. A printer's measure. 9. In

salad.

II. ACROSS: 1. Combats. 4. An instrument for threshing. DOWNWARD: 1. In weed. 3. A shade tree. 4. Part of a plant. 5. A valuable fur. 6. An ecclesiastical dignitary. 7. A cover. 8. An interjection. 9. In weed.

2. To supplicate. 3. A girl's name.
5. To enrich.
2. Aloft.

III. Across: 1. A small leaf. 2. To terrify. 3. Concise. 4. An oral utterance. 5. A store-house.

DOWNWARD: 2. 1. In bestow. Letters which every English artist would like to place after his name. 3. An ecclesiastical tunic. 4. To find fault. 5. Three objects united. 6. A lake. A dandy. 8. An interjection. 9. In bestow.

"EUREKA AND DYCIE."

7

PI.

EXAMPLE: Separate a certain kind of cloth, and make a humble dwelling and a measure. Answer, cot-ton.

1. Separate a cloister and make to study and a small aperture. 2. Separate a very hard substance, and make a masculine name and an insect. 3. Separate an ornament, and make part of a bottle and a delicate fabric. 4. Separate the corner of a leaf in a book, turned down, and make certain animals and spikes of corn. 5. Separate a city in British India, and make fortune and at this time. 6. Separate a certain part of the day, and make smooth and current. 7. Separate an island in the North Atlantic, and make fashioned and a masculine name. 8. Separate reciprocal succession, and make to change and a people. 9. Separate renders keen, and make acid and entity. The initials of the first words will spell the name of a religious festival celebrated on February 2d. The initials of the second words will spell the name of a saint whose festival occurs on February 14th.

WORD SQUARES.

CYRIL DEANE.

I.

UPPER LEFT-HAND SQUARE: 1. An apology.

cline. 3. To gain by labor. 4. A feminine name. II. UPPER RIGHT-HAND SQUARE: 1. Watches. college. 3. A feminine name. 4. A bench. III. CENTRAL SQUARE: 1. Artifices. 2. Scarce. table growth. 4. Perceived.

2. To in

2. A famous 3. A vege

2.

IV. LOWER LEFT-HAND SQUARE: 1. Domestic animals. An imaginary monster. 3. An affected laugh. 4. To dispatch. LOWER RIGHT-HAND SQUARE: 1. A nozzle. 2. Part of a 3. To hurl 4. Concludes.

V.

range.

ACROSTIC.

ALI, GERTY AND ELLA.

EACH of the words described contains the same number of letters When these are rightly guessed, and placed one below the other, in the order here given, the initial letters, reading downward, and the fourth row of letters, reading upward, will each name a famous general.

CROSS-WORDS: 1. Charming. 2. An old word meaning an ad

dress. 3. A colonist. 4. Longs for. 5. Frivolity. 6. Beginners. 7. A coronal. 8. Ploughing. 9. Motives. Ic. The sea-unicorn.

"SCALY FISH.