Dear Harpers,—I just want to thank you for publishing Harper's Young People. Though not a youngster—in fact, my oldest son is nineteen, and wears a mustache—I doubt whether anybody gets more solid enjoyment from the periodical than I do. I am what is called a great reader. Even during the busiest period of my life I always allowed myself one hour at least per day for reading. So my enjoyment is not exactly that of a vacant mind. Gratefully yours,
A Friend.
Montrose, Scotland.
I thought you would like to hear from a girl in Scotland who gets your paper, and enjoys it so much. I have had it from the first number. If you would like a bit of heather, I will send it to you when it is in bloom. The next letter I write will be in my native tongue—Scotch; that is to say, if you are pleased with this one. My best love to the Postmistress.
A. M. G.
If by your native tongue you mean the Gaelic, I fear I will just have to keep your next letter as a curiosity; but if the sweet Scottish dialect which rings so tunefully through the songs of the poet Burns is what you are thinking of, dinna forget your promise, dear bairn. And be sure you send the bit of heather, the mere mention of which this summer day sends my thoughts off to breezy moors and purple hills, where sheep graze and goats scramble.
Crawford, Mississippi.
I am a little girl nine years old. I have two little sisters, Saidie and Laura. Saidie is six years old, and Laura is four years old. Grandma lives with us, and teaches Saidie and me. I study geography, arithmetic, spelling, reading, writing, and music. We have a swing and a baby doll apiece. My baby is named Nellie, Saidie's Lily, and Laura's Annie. We have one old cat and three little kittens. The old cat's name is Mammy; she is mine. My kitten's name is Topsy, Saidie's Beauty, and Laura's Nannie. They don't know any tricks, but Mammy broke my cup and saucer that papa and mamma gave me on Christmas. I can sew very well on the machine. I made a dress all by myself. I am making a quilt. I hope you can find room for this in my dear, dear paper, as it is my first letter. I don't know what I would do without my Young People. I live in the country.