Ire
S. Cooled with ice Iced

P. Compensation Fee
C. Terror Fear
S. An entertainment Feast

P. To clothe Indue
C. To suffer Endure
S. Persuaded Induced

* * * * *

Brattleborough, Vt.

DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I have been trying to start a fresh-water
aquarium which shall be self-supporting. I have failed, so far,
because I have been unable to procure the proper oxygen-producing
plants.

The little brook-plants I have tried do not answer the purpose. Can
you tell me where I can find the following plants, or their seeds:
_Vallisneria spiralis_ (or tape-grass), _Callitriche verna_ (or
water-starwort), and _Anacharis alsinastrum_ (or
water-thyme)?--Yours truly,

E.M.P.

In general terms, the first and third plants named by E.M.P. are to be
sought for in very quiet streams, or in ponds; but, as they are quite
submerged, they may escape attention. _Callitriche_ is to be found
floating on the surfaces of small ponds or pools. But perhaps E.M.P. is
a little too far north for Vallisneria. Anacharis is in Canada, and
should, by rights, be in Vermont.

However, E.M.P. need not be restricted to these. In quiet fresh-water
streams, and especially in ponds, there are _Myriophyllums_ (or
water-milfoil), _Ceratophyllums_ (or hornwort), the aquatic
_Ranunculuses_, and the _Utricularias_ (or bladderworts), all of which
naturally grow submerged and are quite as good for producing oxygen as
those named by E.M.P. Water-cresses will do to get along with until the
other plants can be found.

* * * * *

DEAR ST. NICKOLAS: Daisie and me thought we would rite you a letter,
and tell you that we did the ansers to some of your puzzles in the
May number. We did them most all our own self. We are twin-sisters,
and we are both just as old as each other. We go to skool every day.
So good by.--From youre little frends,

DOTTIE AND DAISIE.

P.S.--We both send our love to your little girls and boys.

* * * * *

New York.

DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I thought you might like to know how to press