ERS FOR WISE HEADS.

6.--GEOGRAPHICAL LETTER.

Dear (a town in South Australia),--This morning, being up betimes, and
having had an early (town in the West of England) and breakfast, I take
the opportunity of writing to you. Yesterday, my uncle (a city of
Michigan, U.S.) and his daughter (a city of Italy) came to see us. Two
slight accidents marred their visit: to begin with, my cousin fell upon
the (an Ayrshire village), and afterwards, while we were out driving, a
(town in Staffordshire) caused the horse to slip. We were then obliged
to walk, but the way was rough, and presently a stream barred all
progress. However, we discovered an (town near Coalbrookdale) which
enabled us to go (town in Cheshire). After eating an (river of South
Africa) and a (decayed seaport in Kent) apiece, we felt refreshed, and
went on until we came to a tall (parish in East London). Here we sat
(county in Ireland), and uncle amused us by (town in Berkshire). The
rest I will tell you later; till then believe me,--Your affectionate
friend, (An Australian colony) (a market town in Herefordshire).

C. J. B.

[_Answer on page 179._]

* * * * *

ANSWER TO PUZZLE ON PAGE 115.

5.--_Caroline_.

1. C aractacus.
2. A lexander.
3. R oger Bacon.
4. O lney.
5. L atimer.
6. I ndia.
7. N ormandy.
8. E mmet.

THE BARBERRY.

The Barberry is an ornamental shrub, on account of its graceful yellow
blossoms and its bright scarlet berries. The fruit is often prescribed
by village doctors for the jaundice, but from its sourness it is seldom
eaten uncooked. It makes excellent jelly, and is much used in the
manufacture of sugar-plums. The roots and bark yield a yellow dye.
Cattle and sheep eat the leaves, and the flowers are attractive to
insects.

The barberry formerly grew wild, in great quantities, in our English
hedgerows, but it has been extirpated from a belief that it injures the
growth of corn. It is said that the leaves are frequently infested by a
tiny fungus, similar to one which attacks wheat: this is easily
dispersed by the wind, and propagatad amongst the corn, causing it much
injury.

The barberry seems to be widely distributed: it is found in America, and
in most European countries, especially on the shores of the Danube.

MY DREAMS.

My dreams are just like little birds
Which in a cage I keep,
To set them free when bed-time comes,
A