1.

OF COURSE every one knows Bixby the enthusiastic puzzlist, who just revels in tricks and conundrums; who can twist a pun or riddle out of every word you say, and who is always loaded right up to the muzzle with puzzle gems which he terms “diamonds” when they are appreciated, and “pearls” when they fall flat, as they sometimes do.

He got called down so abruptly the other day that the shock was actually painful. It seems that there was some exciting news from China, and, as the boys were shouting extras on the street. Mrs. Bixby, who has a brother in Peking, induced Bixby to go after a paper. He was on the point of relieving her anxiety regarding the fate of the missionaries, when, according to custom, he first glanced at the little department of bright sayings and found something which particularly struck his fancy.

“Oh, say, dear,” he commenced. ‘‘I have got something funny to tell you. I have got two letters which show the name of a state, and �””

I know what those letters are. “exclaimed his better half, and they illustrate your conception of what is funny. One is a letter which I gave you two weeks ago to mail to mother, and which explains why she has not come, and the others were to Aunt Phoebe and the Haverstraw people, telling them we were out of town; so here we will have them on our hands to-morrow, and the children down with the measles and whooping cough! "

The more Bixby explained that it was only a little puzzle to spell the name of a state with two letters the worse he floundered, for he now recalled the other letters which he had forgotten to mail.

But to get back to our puzzle, how many of you can show that the name of one state can be spelled with two letters, while two other states may be spelled with three letters each?

2. Arithmetical Puzzle.

Take four, numbers, all alike, and arrange them so as to add up 100.

3. Literary Rebus.

FIRST SYLLABLE.

“Look how the floor of heaven
Is thick inlaid with patens of bright gold.
There's not the smallest orb that thou beholdest,
But in his motion like an angel sings
Still quiring to the young-eyed cherubims.”

�”Shakespeare.

SECOND SYLLABLE.

“Near yonder thorn, that lifts its head on high,
Where once the signpost caught the passing eye,
Low lies that house where nut-brown draughts inspired;
Where gray-beard mirth and smiling toil retired,
Where village statesmen talked with looks profound,
And news much older than their ale went round.”

�”Goldsmith.

THIRD SYLLABLE.

“A mighty wave rushed o'er him as he spoke,
The raft it covered and the mast it broke;
Swept from the deck and from the rudder torn,
Far on the swelling surge the chief was borne;
While by the howling tempest rent in twain
Flew sail and sailyards rattling o’er the main.”

�”Pope.

4. A Square Word Puzzle.

1. A recess.
2. A lazy fellow.
3. Girl's name.
4. Flocks.
5. To rub out.

Answer to the above:

5. A Charade.

My first will range the meadows through,

     In savage pride and state;

But should he make my next at you.

     Your danger would be great.

My whole in russet cap is found,

     And robe of lovely green,

Tall, springing from the marshy ground

     Like some bright fairy queen.