—­A corn dodger—­The careful dancer.

—­“Had I better make a list of the prize cows and pigs?” asked the secretary of an agricultural fair.  “Yes,” replied the president.  “Cattle hog them.”

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OUR LETTER BOX.

TANITE.—­The flag signals used by the U.S.  Signal Service to designate the state of the weather were fully explained in No. 11 of the volume just ended.  They do not vary in the different cities, the code holding good for every portion of this country.

QUI VIVE.—­Bowditch is the standard authority on navigation, and all the theoretical knowledge necessary can be gained by a close and persistent study of his work on that subject.  The best way for a boy to learn it practically is to enlist as a naval apprentice on one of the United States training ships.

SKATER.—­First, place coal oil on the rusted skates and allow it to remain until the rust becomes softened, after which it can be easily removed by rubbing with fine sand paper or emery cloth.  After using, they should be wiped dry and then rubbed with an oily rag before being placed in the case, or flannel bag.

M.P.J.—­1.  Rabbit skins are extensively used in making hats, caps and muffs, and for lining garments of various kinds, such as circulars, overcoats and the like.  They are dressed in the usual manner, the fur being dyed to imitate many of the higher grades procured from the ermine, beaver and other animals. 2.  An article on electro-plating was given space in No. 23 of the last volume.

G.E.B.—­Several manuals relating to the use of fire-arms of various kinds are obtainable from book dealers in various parts of the country.  The most expert rifle and revolver shots have gained all their knowledge by actual practice, placing no dependence on printed rules, but paying particular attention to the make of the weapon selected and thoroughly acquainting themselves with its construction.

SCHUYLER.—­1.  A vacuum air-brake, of which there are several patterns, is a kind of continuous brake, operated by exhausting the air from some appliance under each car, and so causing the pressure of the atmosphere to apply the brakes. 2.  Nos. 4, 5, 13 and 17, Vol.  IV are out of print. 3.  After indulging in gymnastic exercises, it is said that the hands can be kept in good condition by rubbing them with alcohol.

M.J.A.  AND H.S.D.—­Your kind appreciation of the issue in question gives great pleasure to the publisher.  There was no such number this year, in so far as the illuminated cover is concerned; but in the matter of stories, you will find that the contents of No. 5, of this volume, far surpass any other devoted to Christmas literature.  It is full to the brim with good things well suited to the joyous season to which it is dedicated.

ELECTRA.—­1.  If the directions for making electric motors presented in No. 3 are followed to the letter, you will be successful, but, if substitutions and alterations are made, the result will be that the apparatus will prove useless. 2.  It is not at all likely that the company will interfere with the miniature telephone. 3.  As the elements in a Bunsen battery are immersed in sulphuric and nitric acids, it would not he advisable to place it in a sleeping apartment.