59.-A PRECEPT CONTAINING EIGHT WORDS AND THIRTY-ONE LETTERS. What 6 4 17 2 3 22 18? 15 10 13 26 the 15 12 30 14 4 of the Judge: 9 26 who never 11 16 28 14 has given 1 23 6 4 19 7 4 15 10 13. The 15 12 30 14 of the 21 12 2 14, that is 5 30 3 31 9. Let then your 15 18 12 21 26 9 10 29 2 22 be 4 18 17 127 Him, and 18 10 will 4 3 4 31 19 16 25 1 9 10 26. 60. In apprehension see my first, A curse my next, you'll find; My whole's a plant medicinal, Not of the common kind. 61. J. R. A. C. M. J-LL. My first is made of earthenware or metal, and is used for various domestic purposes. My second is a verb. My whole is of different sizes, and adds greatly to the comfort of every house. It is a favourite resort for mice, and is also the scene of many a gossip amongst the servants of the family. MARIA AND TINEY. ANSWERS TO THE ENIGMAS, &c. (On pp. 121, 122, 123, Vol. 1859.) A VALENTINE. (Poetically arranged). Dear friend receive this tribute small, When fortune sheds the brightest beams, I dare not ask thee then to think But should stern sorrow ever come, A faithful friend thou'lt find in me, I'm blest indeed, if thou but smile, 35.-HISTORICAL ENIGMA. 44.-AN ENIGMATICAL GARDEN. (To the Editor of the Family Friend.) SIR, I have been walking, in imagination, in your enigmatical garden, and I have enjoyed the sight of an infinite variety of flowers, amongst which are many of my early field favourites, transplanted and flourishing by the side of foreign friends. I perceive in the culinary corner, my valued friend Thyme, near this stands the Sage beside the Mint. If I mistake not, the crown which was the prize for him who saved the life of a fellowcitizen was made of Parsley. Not far from this Balm is to be found, and if you truly repent there is your emblem Rue. As an ornament to this quiet corner is Marygold and Rose-Mary. Early in the year I presume your Formal roses' were Primroses blooming with simple Cows'-lips, Hounds'tongues, Speed-well, All-heal, and Blue-bells. In a large circular bed in the middle was a Rosary surrounded by wide_borders in which were Larkspurs, Traveller's-Joy, Sweet-William, Monk's-hood, May, Balsam. Archangel, Solomon'sSeal, Rockets, Shepherd's-Purse, Balm-of-Gilead, Enchanter's-Night-shade, London-Pride, Barberry, Bitter-sweet, Centaury, Charity, Columbine, Ragged Robin, Everlasting, Forget-me-not, Heath, Lords-and- Ladies, Love-in - Idleness, Mercury, Love-in-a-Mist, Meadow-Sweet, Periwinkle, Valerian, Venus's-Looking-glass, Stocks, Golden-Rod, Adonis, Lady's-Mantle, Narcissus, Box, Old Man, Marvel-of-Peru, Star-of-Bethlehem, China-Asters, Crane's-bill, Love-lies-bleeding, True-love, Bedstraw, All-good, Canary, Passion-Flower, Flowering-Ash, Ladies'-Slippers, Broom, Birch, Heart'sease, Pansies, Soupirs, Grass-of-Parnassus, Prince's-Feathers. The pretty scarlet Anagallis, which is called the Shepherd's-weather-glass,' although a weed, its brilliant little stars, are allowed to grow near the beautiful MorningGlory.' Not far from the Six-o'clock-flower, there stands the majestic Sun-flower, bowing as if in adoration to the luminary of the day. Twining over a green bower I saw the fragrant Honeysuckle, and behind it the white blossom of the Mountain Ash. All round the garden I perceived that 'Mural ornament,' the bright yellow Wallflower. Before I close the account of my discoveries, I must inform you that I perceived in a · a. Johnson. b. Usher. c. Lyttelton. d. Young-retired nook, beyond the reach of children, the July. 38.-ACROSTIC CONUNDRUM-A POET AND HIS NATIVE LAND. berry-tempting plants of Nightshade, and the Bella-Donna. If I have traversed your enigmatical garden a. Delhi. b. AT. c. NemeA. d. TelL. e. EdwY- fruitlessly, and if I am still unacquainted with Dante-Italy. 37.-Northumberland. 38.-ACROSTIC CONUNDRUM-Two MEMORABLE HEBREW WARRIORS. a. Grass. b. OperA c. LamM. d. IriS. e. Apollo. f. HeN.-Goliah-Samson. any part of it, please let me know; but I assure you, I think the Family Friend has a collection which is only inferior to that of Chiswick or of Kew. I remain, Sir, with much respect, YOUR HORTICULTURAL FRIEND AND FLOWER FANCIER. 45.-Temp(s)-er-ate 46.-Time-piece. 47.-Robin. 48.-Pump-kin. 49.-Eye-glass. 50.-Temper. 51.-Scent-sent-ten-net. 52.-Bridge-water. NeedlE-53.-Cash-mere. 54.-Glass. 55.-Car-pet. 56.Mode-sty. 57.-Oak-tree. 39.-ACROSTIC CONUNDRUM-A METAL AND WHERE IT IS FOUND. a. InforM. b. RossinI. c. OrgaN. d. Iron Mine. 40.-TOWNS IN SCOTLAND ENIGMATICALLY EXPRESSED. a. Coldstream. b. Kirkwall. c. Queensferry. d. Wigton. e. Greenlaw, f. Kinsale. 41-Fur-be-low. 42. Pair-pear-pare. 43. Cock roach. HIEROGLYPHICS. (On p. 124). 1.-Winchester. 2-Monmouth 3.-Edinburgh. 4.-Empty vessels possess the greatest sound. 5.-Criminal. 6.-Catacombs. THE SQUARE OF GOTHAM. periodical ? A long tree? THE wise men of Gotham, famous for their eccentric blunders, once undertook the management of a school; they arranged their establishment in the form of a square divided into 9 rooms. The playground occupied the centre, and 24 scholars the rooms around it, 3 being in each. In spite of the strictness of discipline, it was suspected that the boys were in the habit of playing truant, and it was determined to set a strict watch. To assure themselves that all the boys were on the premises, I. II. 3 had taken place. Then 4 more chums " were admitted; but the clever men, on examining the establishment a fourth time, still found 9 in each row, and soon came to an opinion that their previous suspicions had been unfounded. How was all this possible? The following figures represent the contents of each room at the four different visits: the first, at the commencement of the watch; the second, when 4 had gone out; the third, when these 4, accompanied by another 4, had returned; and the fourth, when 4 more had joined them. 3 3 3 3 they visited the rooms, and found 3 in each, or 9 in each row. Four boys then went out, and the wise men soon after visited the rooms, and finding 9 in each row, thought all was right. The 4 boys then came back, accompanied by 4 strangers; and the Gothamites, on their third round, finding still 9 in each row, entertained no suspicion of what On each change the boys had arranged them selves in the rooms in such a manner that, when the corner rooms were counted as a part of two rows, each entire row of three rooms contained the same number of boys. The illusion of the wise men was due to their mistake in counting each corner room twice. THE EDITOR TO HIS FRIENDS. ADDRESS:-9, BELL SQ., FINSBURY, LONDON. Two subscribers have asked us this month whether we prepare Cases for the uniform binding of our half-yearly volumes? We were astonished to find that any of our subscribers should be unaware that with the completion of every volume a cheap, handsome, and durable cloth case is pre-capped in white. Such drinks bear the names of pared. The price of the case is sixpence, and for à like sum any Binder will adjust the six monthly numbers in it, and return them in the more presentable form of a beautiful volume. We are sure our readers will not fail to observe the improved appearance of our Number. This has been achieved by a superior method of stitching, and placing each sheet in glazed boards, and subjecting them to hydraulic pressure. Although these improvements increase our expenses, we shall continue to observe them for the future. FIRST CLASS. A. C. M. J-11 (your kind contributions shall have prompt attention).-Edmund and Flora (for new members this is promising).-Undine (pardon the omission).-L'Eclair.-M. W. M. (your request shall not be overlooked).-Catie.-Alpha (it would have been more correct, certainly).-R. M. S. and Rosemary.-J. C. L. (Many thanks for your practical services).-J. C. L. (your second letter preserved you your position).-Gazelle.-Brownie.-Little Lizzie.-Anna Grey (we are glad to find that you are not nervous).-Marie and Elise. Edouard. Jane Ann.-Emily A. C.Marguerite.-D. M. R.-H. A. J.-Estelle.Walter H.-Juanita.-Annie (we are sorry to receive such a desponding letter from you).-Mary Anne.-J. Christie D.-Agnese. SECOND CLASS. leche helada, fresh goat's milk, rendered more palatable with sugar and beaten snow. This last liquid is not lacking in the smallest village in Spain, as goats pervade the land; and as tea and beer are indigenous in the remotest corner of Great Britain, so ice or beaten snow is to be found in the meanest hamlet in Spain; for all over the land there are mountains whose heads are ever sorbetes, from the Persian sherbets, to distinguish them from the quesitos (literally small cheeses), hard frozen creams and water ices. These are the only things sold at the cafés in Madrid; which do not, as at Paris, profess any eatable. 20. X. Y. Z.-IMITATION CORAL.- An ingenious person can make up, with artificial coral, a great variety of useful and ornamental articles, such as work-baskets, liqueur bottle-stands, cardracks, candle ornaments, &c., all of which have a novelty in appearance, and are at the same time very pretty. To prepare this coral, procure small branches of shrubs, peel the bark off, and dry them; they are to be dipped in melted red sealingwax, to every quarter of a pound of which should be added, prior to the melting, one ounce of bees' wax, which will render the mixture, when cold, less brittle than sealing-wax by itself. Twigs of the black-thorn are the best kind of wood to employ for this purpose. Small articles should be fashioned before they are dipped, but larger ones require the twigs to be dipped first. After they are finished, they should be held before a gentle fire, turning them round till they are perfectly covered and smooth. 21. G. ROBERTSON.-FLORAL SPECIMENS,The mode of preserving leaves is simple. Take two leaves of every kind you wish to keep; lay them inside of a sheet of blotting-paper, place them under a considerable pressure, and let them remain during the night. Open them the next Amelia (in good time).-W. C.-E. Hill (we are quite aware that our Pastime has advanced, there- morning, remove them to a dry part of the paper, fore more honour to those who obtain a position They may then be placed in the book intended for and press them again for the same space of time. in the Classes).- Iago.-Eliza.-Rolyat.-Good- the purpose, and fastened down with a little gum, enough (hardly).-May (definitions not good).with the alternate sides turned out, and the name Daisy H. (a Certificate, second class, was sent you written, with such other observations as the artist some months since).-Rolando (we dare not demay think proper. part from our rule; so many have asked us for characters, but we can only extend them to subscribers).-Aquila.-Prudence.-Wilhelm.-Elizabeth M.-Aline.-W. Garbutt, jun.-Captain J. R.-Emily.-Seek truth.-Giovanni (your earnestness in our behalf demands our warmest thanks; three copies of our number can be posted for twopence).-Bertha S.-G. Matthewson. QUESTIONS ANSWERED. 19. Q. Q.-SPANISH DRINKS.- Of Spanish drinks there are many; but the first and foremost, peerless and revivifying, comes agraz-pearl of drinks, talisman of potions. Pressed from the pulp of the unripe grape, the acid freshness of immaturity is tempered with pure water of icy coldness; mixed with the camomile wine of Southern Spain, the Manzanilla, it gives fresh life to the weary traveller, and he would fain die whilst its luscious fragrance still lingers on his lips. Next comes orchada de chufas, white ereamy nutty liquid, soothing the soul excited by the sun then we drink orangeade and lemonade only to be made in Spain: and last, not least, 22. W. JENNINGS.-TO REMOVE THE STAINS OF INK. The stains of ink on cloth, paper, or wood, may be removed by all acids; but those acids are to be preferred which are least likely to injure the texture of the stained substance. The muriatic acid, diluted with five or six times its weight of water, may be applied to the spot, and after a minute or two washed off; repeating the application as often as may be found necessary. Less risk attends the use of vegetable acids. A solution of the oxalic, citric (acid of lemons), or tartareous acids, in water, may be applied to the most delicate fabrics without danger of injuring them; and the same solution will discharge writing but not printing ink. Hence it may be employed in cleaning books which have been defaced by writing on the margin, without impairing the text. 23. CORDELIA.-The superiority of the French silks over the English may be accounted for by the fact that France obtains her raw material from Syria, which is of the very best quality, and that but a very small quantity ever finds its way into England. The manufacture of silk at Lyons was established in the year 1450. 6 24. A NEW SUBSCRIBER. — How TO MAKE YEAST.-Boil one pound of good flour, a quarter of a pound of brown sugar, and a little salt, in two gallons of water, for one hour. When milkwarm, bottle it and cork it close. It will be ready for use in twenty-four hours. One pint of this yeast will make eighteen pounds of bread.BERTHA S. 25. THOMASINA.-FREEZING AND BOILING IN A VACUUM.-The process is simple. A little ether under an air-jar on the plate of the air-pump will flash into vapour as soon as the pressure is removed by working the pump; and water may be frozen by its own evaporation, over a good airpump, as arranged in the figure. The water is contained In a watch-glass on a tripod, over a shallow dish of sulphuric acid, and the whole is covered by a low air-jar. On working the pump, the water evaporates so rapidly in the vacuum as to boil even at 72°; its vapour is instantly absorbed by the sulphuric acid, and in this way both the sensible and latent heat are removed so rapidly, that the water is frozen solid white, still apparently boiling. 26. LAURA.-The making of the Wedding Cake is a subject of no small interest. Some degree of mystery rests upon it; but I have happily succeeded in obtaining an excellent receipt. To Make a Prime Wedding Cake.-Four pounds of fine flour, well dried, four pounds of fresh butter, two pounds of loaf sugar; a quarter of an ounce of mace, pounded and sifted fine, the same of nutmegs. To every pound of flour add eight eggs; wash four pounds of currants, let them be well picked and dried before the fire; blanch a pound of sweet almonds, and cut them lengthways very thin; a pound of citron, one pound of candied orange, the same of candied lemon; half a pint of brandy. When these are made ready, work the butter with your hand to a cream, then beat in your sugar a quarter of an hour, beat the whites of your eggs to a very strong froth, mix them with your sugar and butter; beat your yolks half-an-hour at least, and mix them with your cake; then put in your flour, mace, and nutmeg, keep beating it well till your oven is ready-pour in the brandy, and beat the currants and almonds lightly in. Tie three sheets of white paper round the bottom of your hoop, to keep it from running out, rub it well with butter, put in your cake, lay the sweatmeats in layers, with cake between each layer, and after it is risen and coloured cover it with paper before your oven is stopped up; it will require three hours to bake properly. To Make Almond Iceing for the Bride Cake.Beat the whites of three eggs to a strong froth, beat a pound of Jordan almonds very fine with rose-water, mix them, with the eggs, lightly together; put in by degrees a pound of common loaf-sugar in powder. When the cake is baked enough, take it out, and lay on the iceing, then put it in to brown. Sugar Iceing for the Cake.-Beat two pounds of double-refined sugar with two ounces of fine starch, sift the whole through a gauze sieve, then beat the whites of five eggs with a knife upon a pewter dish for half-an-hour; beat in your sugar a little at a time, or it will make the eggs fail, and injure the colour; when all the sugar is put in, beat it half-an hour longer, and then lay on your almond iceing, spreading it even with a knife. If put on as soon as the cake comes from the oven, it will harden by the time the cake is cold. 27. SARA RACHEL.-A RECEIPT FOR REMOVING SCURF FROM THE HEAD.-Take two ounces of castor oil, six ounces of olive oil, and an ounce and a-half of tincture of cantharides; mix it well, and add two drachms of essence of bergamot, to render it agreeable.-FANNY. Or,-Mix equal quantities of rum and oil, and use it like oil alone.-BERTHA S. 28. ALBERT.-EMPYREUMA.-A peculiar vapour produced by destructive distillation, to breathe which is injurious; from that of vegetable substances we obtain Empyreumatic Acid and Oil; burnt Hartshorn yields Empyreumatic Alkali. When pastry or other articles of diet are subjected to great heat in a close oven or vessel they emit an unpleasant effluvia-a proof they have become empyreumatized, and therefore unwholesome. 29. J. D.-Perhaps the strongest men in the world are the Chili miners, who spend their days in the labour of carrying up sacks of the ore out of the mines, weighing above three hundred pounds, going up rough steps cut out of the rock, without rope or handrail to assist them. These men live chiefly on haricot beans, which must be most nutritious. 30. WANDERER.- ADDER'S TONGUE. - The adder's tongue, Ophioglossum vulgatum, is generally distributed throughout England, but is comparatively scarce in Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Its favourite growing places are moist, damp meadows, and the sides of streamlets, where the scarlet Lychnis loves to nestle; and is occasionally so abundant as to cover acres of grass-land with its long, smooth, hollow fronds, appearing in May, and withering at the latter end of August. A few only of the fronds are fertile, and from out the acute and slanting, the deep green and leafy portion of such, uprises a straight, erect, clubshaped spike, somewhat longer than the leafy part, and bearing seeds in a double longitudinal row. When the seeds are fully ripe, you may readily see the gradual opening of the thecæ transversely, waiting as it were for the passing by of autumn winds, that bear them in their airy chariots over dale and hill, "THE eye of all the East, the sacred and most magnificent Damascus,"-as it was styled by the emperor Julian, who was surnamed the Apostate; or, as the Orientals call it, "a pearl surrounded by emeralds," one of the gates of the Caaba," and "Mohammed's heel," from being the rendezvous for all the pilgrims from the north of Asia-is, probably, the most ancient city in the world; and, notwithstanding the vicissitudes it has experienced, is still the most thoroughly oriental city in the East, and has undergone fewer changes, though torn by civil war and attacked by foreign powers. The city is supposed to have been founded by Uz, the son of Shem, the third son of Noah. In the days of Abraham it was a celebrated city, and we find that his confidential servant, Eliezer, was a native of it. Damascus is a more ancient name than the Arabic one of El Sham, and is derived from Damasck, which is said to have been derived from two Syriac words dam (blood), and sakh (innocent), which K |