Margaretta B.—The fifteen decisive battles of the world to which Mr. Herbert Spencer referred are probably those which are described in a volume bearing that title, written by Mr. E. S. Creasy, of England, and published in this country by Harper & Brothers. They are the battle of Marathon, the defeat of the Athenians at Syracuse (b.c. 413), the battle of Arbela, the battle of the Metaurus, the victory of Arminius over the Roman Legions under Varus, the battle of Châlons, the battle of Tours, the battle of Hastings, Joan of Arc's victory over the English at Orleans, the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the battle of Blenheim, the battle of Pultowa, victory of the Americans over Burgoyne at Saratoga, the battle of Valmy, and Waterloo. These are called "decisive" battles because, in the words of the historian Hallam, "a contrary event would have essentially varied the drama of the world in all its subsequent scenes."
Freddie L. F.—Directions for making an Æolian harp were given in the Post-office Box of Harper's Young People No. 23, Vol. I.
S. S.—The rare issues of United States cents are of 1799, 1793, 1804, 1809, 1811, 1795, 1796, 1808, 1805, and 1823. The above dates are rare in the order given.
Many others are scarce; in fact, all before 1816, if in good condition, are worth much more than their face value. Collectors should remember that the value of all rare coins depends upon condition. A much-rubbed specimen of a cent of 1799 might be dear at one dollar, while an uncirculated cent of that date would readily find a market at thirty dollars.
Reader of "Young People."—The postage stamps exchanged by our young correspondents are, as a rule, cancelled stamps cut from letters.
Correct answers to puzzles have been sent by Walter Atcheson, May F. B., Bessie Comstock, Robson D. Caldwell, R. O. Chester, Mary E. DeWitt, Carrie Edwards, Fannie Edwards, Jesse S. Godine, William and Isabel Harris, Bessie R. Howell, Ralph B. Larkin, Thomas Lunham, Isobel L. Jacob, "Little Goosey," H. P. Meikleham, O. A. Mueller, Percy McDermott, Mary B. Nesmith, Maggie Osborne, William Olfenbuttel, Augusta Low Parke, Will H. Rogers, Will Rochester, Carrie Sinnamon, James Shriver, "Starry Flag," Nellie S., George Schilling, E. C. T., T. P. Tregnor, Woodville Wrenshall, Chester Maxwell White, Willie F. Woolard, Lily, Charles, and Fred W.