can't be beat. What an
issue! As it seems to be the usual thing, I'll start at the
front and go to the back.

The cover: very colorful: another proof of Wesso's talent.
And speaking of artists, I was very pleasantly surprised at
the unexpected illustration by Paul. I certainly hope you
can get him, if not for cover pictures, at least for the
inside illustrations. (Too bad you are modest about printing
complimentary letters, for I mean this to be all roses, no
brickbats.)

"The Man from 2071"--another good story of "John Hanson's."
"Manape the Mighty," although somewhat like the Tarzan
series, is a wonderfully fine story. "Holocaust"--good. "The
Earthman's Burden," as all of Starzl's, was exceptionally
good. "The Exile of Time"--getting better every issue.

"The Readers' Corner" as usual was one of the most
interesting parts of the magazine. I always turn to it
first, for I know I will have an enjoyable time reading
every letter. And, by the way, the significance of "Manape"
just came to me. Don't know why I didn't see it
before.--Linus Hogenmiller, 502 N. Washington St.,
Farmington, Mo.

_Likes the "Joke"_

Dear Editor:

Although I have read only two issues of Astounding Stories,
I feel the urge to write a line. The June number was better
than the May issue. Arthur J. Burks' story, "Manape the
Mighty," was excellent, though I am not so strong for the
idea of having Barter escape the apes and carry on his
experiments as suggested by the Author. It would be against
common sense to have the apes allow him to make a getaway.
The prize winner in the May issue was "Dark Moon." There
might be a sequel to that, and I'd like to see it.

I like a little variety in a magazine. The Readers who say
they do not care for stories scientifically impossible may
be right; in that case "The Exile of Time" is the greatest
joke ever written--yet I like it immensely. One thing that
is impossible is the destruction of matter. It can be broken
up, or condensed as in "When Caverns Yawned," but not
destroyed completely.

Mr. W. H. Flowers evidently has a grudge against the fair
sex. The love interest is not necessary in short stories,
it's true; but what kind of a long novel would it be if the
hero had no incentive, nothing