ng the period between
spring-time and autumn, and that Ceres, enraged at the theft of her
daughter, refused to bless the earth with fruits and flowers during
those months when she was deprived of Persephone. The name Ceres is
derived from the Sanskrit, and signifies to create. Vulcan, whose Greek
name was Hephaestus, was the son of Jupiter and Juno, and the god of
fire. He was lame and ugly, but was worshipped as the patron of all
craftsmen who worked at the forge. He is represented by ancient artists
as a powerful, bearded man clad in a workman's cap and short blouse,
surrounded by smith's tools. His festival fell on the 23d of August,
when the young men of Athens ran torch races in his honor. You can
obtain answers to your other question by inquiring at the rooms of the
Society, corner of Court and Joralemon streets, Brooklyn.

* * * * *

HARRY VAN N.--Wheeling is the capital of West Virginia. The _New
Hampshire Gazette_, published at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is the
oldest paper in the Union which has been continued without interruption
or change of name. It was established by Daniel Fowle in 1756. The
Worcester _Spy_, still in existence, was established in 1770, and there
are several other papers of equal age. The New York _Commercial
Advertiser_ is one of the oldest dailies. It was established in 1793 as
the _Minerva_, but soon assumed its present name. The New York _Evening
Post_ first appeared in November, 1801. You will find a complete
history of American newspapers in Frederic Hudson's _Journalism in the
United States_, published by Harper & Brothers.

* * * * *

WILLIE S. W.--There are no rules by which you can train cats. They are
not so easily taught as dogs and birds; still, with patience and
kindness, you may accomplish your purpose.

* * * * *

"NORTH STAR."--Your puzzle is very neatly and correctly made; but we can
not use it, as we have recently published one with the same solution. Do
not be discouraged, but try again. The book you inquire for is published
by Henry Holt & Co., and is a very useful little volume.

* * * * *

C. W. LISK.--The dauw (_Equus burchellii_) is a South African quadruped,
intermediate between the zebra and the quagga. It is found in numerous
herds in the wide plains north of the Orange River. It is somewhat
larger than the zebra, but more easily d