AS SHOWING HOW intuition, or a practical knowledge of farming, will sometimes solve a puzzle which might baffle those who revel in figures and calculations, I ask for an answer to the following simple proposition, which is really so devoid of all semblance of mathematical difficulty that I hate to introduce it as a puzzle and yet, without offense to Edward Markham, the recognized authority in hosiery matters. I believe that, like his celebrated poem, it opens the doors for an interesting discussion, as
“Bowed by the weight of centuries he leans
Upon his hoe and gazes on the ground.”
It appears that Hobbs and Nobbs agreed to plant a field of potatoes for Farmer Snobbs for five dollars. On testing their respective abilities they find that each one excels in a different branch of their profession. Hobbs, who can drop a row of potatoes in twenty minutes, can drop two rows while Nobbs covers two.
The puzzle is to tell how the money and work should be divided so as to equalize matters.
There being just twelve rows, as shown in the picture, Hobbs would drop six rows in 120 minutes, and, we will then say, could cover at the rate of a row in sixty minutes, so he would drop and cover his six rows in eight hours. Nobbs, according to statement, would drop his six rows in 240 minutes, and could cover them at the same rate of speed, so he would also finish his work in eight hours, so each man would be entitled to $2.50 for eight hours' work.
2.
Mr. Hayseed says his “college-bred” boy doesn't know nothing, while the other one does. The question is to tell which knows the most.
[That is, the college-bred boy doesn't know nothing, while the other one does know nothing. ” jws]
Which of the reptiles is a mathematician? The Adder.
Why is a thing purchased like a shoe? Because it's sold.
Why is a man who will only wager a penny likely to get well? He is a little better.
What relation does the soap-bubble bear to the boy who blows it? It is his air.
When is a sewing machine a great comfort? When it’s used to sew lace.
What two female names express a chemist? Ann Eliza.
How would a leopard change his spots? By moving to some other spot.
Why are young ladies like arrows? Because they are all in a quiver until they get a bow.
Spell eye-water with four letters. Tear.
How would you divide seven eggs among seven persons so that one egg remains in the dish? One takes the dish with the egg in it.
What is often brought to the table, always cut but never eaten? A pack of cards.
When is a thump like a hat? When it is felt.
What is the best word of command to give a lady crossing a puddle? Dress up in front, close (clothes) up behind.
Why do hens only lay in the daytime? Because at night they are roosters.
What fort has been stormed the oftenest? The Piano-forte.
Take two letters from money and there will be but one left, but if a thief takes money from two letters there would be none left.
Why is a loafer like a weathercock? Because he is continually going round doing nothing.
When does a man rob his wife? When he hooks her dress.
Why are dairy maids happy? They have their own whey.
Why is matrimony like a besieged city? Because they who are in want to get out, and those who are out want to get in.
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