JOHN JACOB.--As you do not tell us what style of reading you prefer, it is a little difficult to tell you what books to choose. History is always good reading for a boy of your age. You would find Macaulay's _History of England_ both valuable and interesting, and a small volume ent.i.tled _A History of Our Own Times_, by Justin McCarthy, might be read in connection with it. The historical writings of Motley and Prescott are also standard works of the greatest value. If you prefer biography, the "English Men of Letters Series" will give you a complete outline of English literature. It would be foolish for you to buy books which would simply amuse you for a short time, and we trust you will select wisely, and lay a solid foundation for a valuable library.

Favors are acknowledged from Fred Dierking, E. C. P. and W. P., Edwin F.

Edgett, Harry R. Bartlett, "Waterloo," Robert R. T., C. E. S. and K. T. W., Josie Frankenberg, Elwyn B. Bentley, Mamie Brooke, Samuel McMullin, L. V. Nunemacher, I., Nellie L. Hutchinson, Cora A. Binninger, W. R., Fred Haswell, Walter S. Nichols, Willie R. F. Grant, Eva M. W., Selma Witzel, John Avery, Maud Miller, Johnnie H. Fletcher.

Correct answers to puzzles are received from W. Gilmour, George L.

Rushy, Bessie G. Bartlett, N. N., Helen M. Shearer, S. McK. Bayard, Little Belle, Maud and Gertie, Mary A. Reid, Ernest C. Steward, Eddie A.

Leet, George G. Seitz, Cora Frost, George S. Schilling, Rory Barnhart, George Haywood, Ford M. Goff, George Volckhausen, S. E. Davis, A. H.

Ellard, Katie M. Griswold, Bessie G. Strong, L. Mahler, Hattie Smith, S.

Hart, S. G. Rosenbaum.

PUZZLES FROM YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS.

No. 1.

DOUBLE ENIGMA.

Our firsts in dimple, not in cheek.

Our seconds in dahlia, not in leek.

Our thirds in stagger, not in fall.

Our fourths in rampart, not in wall.

Our fifths in window, not in pane.

Our sixths in tempest, not in rain.

The names of two amusing birds Are hid away within these words.

FRANK.

No. 2.

DOUBLE ACROSTIC.

An article of food. The name of a prophet. Extended. A small animal. One of the United States. A metal. A river in Europe. Where the sun sets. A hole. Comfort. Answer--Two flowers.

M. L.

No. 3.

DROP-LETTER PUZZLE.

A line from Shakspeare's play of the _Tempest_, Act First: F--l--f--t--o--f--v--t--y--a--h--r--i--s.

MABEL.

No. 4.

DIAMOND.

In beech. An article of ladies' dress. An animal. To request. In maple.

BERTHA.

No. 5.

NUMERICAL CHARADE.

I was a pa.s.senger in the _Mayflower_, and my name is spelled with 13 letters.

My 2, 12, 3, 4 is a portion of land.

My 8, 6, 13 is a tree.

My 10, 2, 9 is a noise.

My 1, 11, 5, 7 is floating vapor.

"THE TRIO."

No. 6.

ENIGMA.

My first is in man, but not in boy.

My second is in trifle, not in toy.

My third is in eight, but not in four.

My fourth is in wisdom, not in lore.

My fifth is in ten, but not in one.

My sixth is in moon, but not in sun.

My seventh is in cottage, not in hive.

My eighth is in eleven, not in five.

My ninth is in prosper, not in grow.

A learned Greek these letters show.

H. L.