ball will curve toward W in
the path of the dotted line. Now, if he will look in the
story of "How Science Won the Game," where the base-ball
editor shows the boys how to hold and how to throw the ball
to make the different curves, he will find that when he
throws the ball so that it whirls as shown in diagram, it
will curve toward P, a direction entirely opposite from the
one he designates. And any curve-pitcher will tell him the
same. When I first read his explanation, I thought it was
all right, for it looks quite reasonable, but upon second
thoughts, I saw it was wrong, and to make sure, I took a
ball and tried it. The only way I can get around his
explanation (aside from actual fact) is this: The point B,
as he clearly shows, is moving faster than D, and so the
ball, if the friction of the air is taken away, will
naturally curve toward the side D or point P. Now, the
question is, Will the friction of the air be enough greater
on the side B to overcome the difference in the motions of
the two sides? If it is, the ball must move in a straight
line, but as it curves toward the side D, we must conclude
that it is not, and that the friction of the air tends more
to hinder than to help the ball to curve. I really believe
that if it could be tried, a person could make a ball curve
in a vacuum more easily than we can make it curve in the
air. Trusting to hear more upon this subject, I remain,
sincerely yours,

"A CURVER."

* * * * *

FREMONT, NEB.

DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I have never written to you before, but I
think perhaps you will publish this one letter. I hope you
will publish it, as I have never yet had anything of mine
published.

I like the story entitled, "How Science Won the Game."
Although I am but thirteen years old I think I can pitch a
curve. I go to the Fremont Normal School and like it very
much.

I am going to have the 1884 and 1885 ST. NICHOLAS bound next
week. I think you have a very entertaining magazine, and I
think the pictures are very nice. I have the magazine for a
Christmas present every year. I have taken ST. NICHOLAS
three years and I hope I may always take it.

Papa says he doesn't think you will publish this, but I