of which an isolated rock arose,
surmounted by a temple of Jupiter, once a college of Druidesses. Now the
same rock, with its glorious pile dedicated to St. Michael, is
surrounded by the sea at high tides. The story of this transformation is
even more striking than that of Sluys, and its adequate narration justly
earned for M. Manet the gold medal of the French Geographical Society in
1828.

Once again. Let us turn for a moment to the Mediterranean shores of
Spain, and the mountains of Murcia. Those rocky heights, whose peaks
stand out against the deep blue sky, scarcely support a blade of
vegetation. The algarobas and olives at their bases are artificially
supplied with soil. It is scarcely credible that these are the same
mountains which, according to the forest-book of King Alfonso el Sabio,
were once clothed to their summits with pines and other forest trees,
while soft clouds and mist hung over a rounded, shaggy outline of wood
where now the naked rocks make a hard line against the burnished sky.
But Arab and Spanish chroniclers alike record the facts, and
geographical science explains the cause. There is scarcely a district in
the whole range of the civilized world where some equally interesting
geographical story has not been recorded, and where the same valuable
lessons may not be taught. This is comparative geography.

[Illustration: OUR POST-OFFICE BOX.]

That our youthful correspondents may not think we slight any of their
favors, we would say that we regret exceedingly that our limited space
compels us to print so few of their prettily worded and neatly written
letters. We thank you all for your praise and hearty goodwill, but while
we read all your comments on _Young People_ with attention, as in that
way we learn what pleases you best, we must choose for printing those
letters which tell something of interest to other young readers.

To one thing we would call your attention. When you send drawings of
"Wiggles" and other picture puzzles, be careful to do it on a separate
piece of paper. Your letters are all recorded, and filed away, and if
your idea for a "Wiggle" is drawn on the same piece of paper on which
you write your letter, it makes confusion. We hope our young
correspondents will pay attention to this suggestion.

* * * * *

ISHPEMING, MICHIGAN.

In _Harper's Young People_, No. 10, Mr. Lossing wrote about
"Putnam's Narrow Escape." He said