alks, sings,
and whistles very nice, but he picks his feathers all out, and
looks almost naked. I had a canary, but it died two years ago. It
was almost twenty years old. Can any little boy or girl tell me
what to do for my parrot?

NELLIE R.

* * * * *

H. L. MURRAY.--A big, strong Newfoundland dog will be the best to
harness in your little carriage. Newfoundland dogs are very wise and
gentle, and, if treated kindly, are easily trained.

* * * * *

CHARLEY D. M.--The trouble with your fish probably comes from the want
of air in the water. If you will make a reed or elder-bush squirt-gun,
closing the lower end, and making a number of small holes near the
bottom, you can use it for forcing air into the tank. This will make the
water "alive," and your fish will flourish. It will be well also to put
two or three fresh-water crabs and snails and a little vegetation into
the tank.

* * * * *

T. H. KNOX.--An owl, or an owl's head, would make a good badge for your
literary society. You can buy very pretty owls' heads under glass,
arranged to wear as a scarf-pin. They are not expensive. Or if you wish
something original, a small gold eagle's quill would be appropriate.

* * * * *

FRED C. S.--The United States government has never offered to purchase
cancelled stamps.

* * * * *

I. U.--Sheep have front teeth, or nippers, only on the lower jaw, the
upper having instead a firm fibrous pad. There are eight of these
nippers in a full-grown sheep. There are six grinders, or back teeth, on
each side of both the upper and lower jaws.

* * * * *

EDITH J. P.--You will find information about gold-fish in YOUNG PEOPLE
No. 6.

* * * * *

ZELLA T.--The origin of April-fools' Day is unknown. It is observed as a
season of practical jokes in nearly every country. Even the Hindoos have
a festival terminating on the 31st of March, during which they aim to
send their friends on all manner of absurd errands, and enjoy a laugh at
their disappointment. In Italy and France the victims of practical jokes
of the 1st of April are called "April-fish."

* * * * *

B. H. T.--If you wish to keep the skin of your greyhound very soft and
delicate, feed it on bread and