, of making
the blood more fluid. But this poison is of a highly irritant nature,
and leaves a very painful feeling, accompanied by more or less
inflammation of the parts attacked.

The water-boatman, which almost every one must have seen swimming
back-downwards in ponds, can inflict a very painful wound in this
manner. The illustration shows the 'lancet' of _nepa_, the water-bug.
The piercing organ just described is the spear-shaped piece bounded on
either side by two long filaments.

W. P. PYCRAFT, F.Z.S., A.L.S.

PUZZLERS FOR WISE HEADS.

1.--GEOGRAPHICAL ACROSTIC.

An American Republic, having a hot climate on the coast-line, but cooler
inland. It is a rich and fertile country, where many valuable trees
grow. Useful plants and fruits are produced in great abundance, and
there are many wild animals, and birds of brilliant plumage. Numerous
shallow rivers water the land, and gold, silver, iron, copper, and other
metals are to be found there.

1. A mountain near Athens, famous in old times for honey and marble.

2. A decayed seaport in Italy, with a castle which gave the title to a
celebrated story.

3. A Cornish fishing village, much frequented by artists.

4. A village in Ireland, where a notorious fair was formerly held.

5. A small country or district on the eastern side of an African lake;
its chief town is the terminus of a great caravan route.

6. A city of Virginia, U.S.A., built on a river of the same name.

7. A tea-growing district of British India, abounding in wild animals.

8. The most important seaport of central China.

C. J. B.

2.--ARITHMOGRAPH.

A word of eight letters, naming the hero of a noted poem.

1.--6, 5, 4. A game; also the toy with which the game is played.

2.--7, 3, 4. A wild berry.

3.--1, 3, 6. A covering for the head.

4.--4, 7, 2, 6. A tiny particle.

5.--6, 7, 5, 4. To melt, dissolve, or become fluid.

6.--7, 8, 1, 3. A peculiar kind of fence.

7.--4, 1, 3, 6. An interrogation.

8.--4, 2, 6. Mental faculty.

C. J. B.

[_Answers on page 58._]

THE MYSTERIOUS CHEST.

'It is hard lines it should rain the first day of the holidays,' said
George, somewhat gloomily, as he looked out at the heavy downpour, which
was fast changing the tennis-lawn into a miniature lake.

'No chance of a game!' sighed Pelham, thinking of the swamped
cricket-field.

'If you two lads want an indoor job, I have one for you, and one that
has baffled me,' s