HERE IS A SIMPLE but, pretty puzzle picture, full of funny figures which go to show how the unknown quantities of things may be proven by induction, without peeping under the tent or resorting to algebra.
lt appears that Harry went to the circus, but being of a cautious disposition, however, Harry wished to be sure of seeing his money’s worth before parting with his quarter, and therefore interrogated the doorkeeper regarding the number of horses, riders and animals.
The doorkeeper, who was really somewhat ashamed of the meagre display of wonders within the tent, as compared with the glowing pictures on the posters outside, feigned ignorance of the exact, number of marvelous attractions, but explained that in addition to the horses, ladies and gentlemen riders, who, with the clowns, had 100 feet and 36 heads, there was a collection of curiosities from the African jungle which would bring the sum total up to 56 heads and 156 feet!
The picture shows the character of the exhibition, but as we are dealing more with the unknown quantities of the puzzle, we will ask our young friends to tell the number of horses, riders and clowns performing in the ring in an adjoining tent, which cannot be seen at all; and also by way of a clever test of ingenuity, to tell what is the attraction in the cage to the left, which appears to be the drawing card of the show? A correct answer to this last question will prove that you were at the circus and were interested in the other features as described.
In that instructive visit to the zoo, our young friend readily computed that if there were one hundred feet and thirty-six heads among the horses and riders, there must have been fourteen horses and twenty-two riders. Also, as it was told that there were fifty-six feet and twenty heads among the curiosities, and we can see ten animals and seven birds in the picture, it is plain that only three more curiosities are to be accounted for, which can have but two feet and three heads among them, so it does not require a vivid imagination to surmise that the attraction in the cage which absorbs so much attention must be the wonderful Hindoo snake-charmer with her two serpents.
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