novel a magazine, but nevertheless let's forget that and
talk about some astounding stories.

First, I would suggest that you eliminate all stories of
interplanetary travel (I would be different), as there are
already several magazines on the market which deal almost
exclusively with such stories. Now, tales like "The Beetle
Horde," and those written by Murray Leinster, and those
concerning that Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Bird, and those about
the deep sea, like "Into the Ocean's Depths,"--such stories
are astounding, and good. And once in a while let's have a
humorous story. You know: "A bit of humor now and then--"

Well, anyhow, publish any kind of astounding story, just so
it is different and does not deal with interplanetary
travel.

Now, about the magazine. I think it is a good publication
and I like it werra, werra mooch. I bought it on impulse and
happened to be lucky enough to get the first issue, and nary
an issue have I missed since. Although I possess an abject
horror of any kind of insect, I enjoyed "The Beetle Horde"
to the fullest extent. But here's hoping nothing like that
will really happen.

Another thing I'd like to state is this: Some reader made a
remark about not publishing any of Verne's works. I say you
should. Why should any such great author be disregarded in
so good a magazine? And is it not interesting to note that
some of his stories have become actual realizations? Even
Poe's should be published. All those dead authors whose
stories would be considered good were they living. Why
should any person ask not to have such good stories in your
magazine? Perhaps there are some people who would enjoy
them, but do not have the means nor time to buy these great
works in book form. Think it over, ye Ed., think it over.

And now, to finish up, I'll say: are there any readers like
me--a girl--or do only men and boys read Astounding
Stories?--Gertrude Hemken, 5730 So. Ashland Ave., Chicago,
Ill.

_Short--and Sweet_

Dear Editor:

Congratulations! Have followed up every issue of Astounding
Stories and have found them the best yet. I have one fault
to find and that is you do not publish Astounding Stories
often enough. Thirty days is too far between.--Bernard
Bauer, 235 Holland St., Syracuse,