Des Moines, Iowa.
I am a little girl ten years old. I have lived in Des Moines for nearly one year. I do not like Des Moines very much. I have written three letters to Young People, but as none of them have been published, I thought I would write again. On the 18th of June a cyclone passed here, and on the 22d of June a cyclone passed not far from our house, and mamma said it would have been here if it had not been for the rain. In Kansas, when they see a cyclone coming, they all go to large holes in the ground, and stay there until it is all over, and then they come out again to their houses. I have a cousin in Germany, and she takes Harper's Young People too. I have been taking it ever since the first number. I am very glad that the vacation months have come, it has been so warm here ever since the 1st of June.
E. K.
Jacksonville, Illinois.
Ma says I may write a letter too,
As many of the little boys and girls do;
So I will try and write, and see
How it will look in poetry.
I'm a little girl just twice six and one,
With this world's work just begun.
My father is a farmer, and bridge-builder too,
So, you have guessed wisely, there is plenty to do.
We all help to plant, to dig, and to hoe;
To be sure, in time we've plenty to mow;
For of all good times for children to play,
The best of all is on hay-making day.
Now 'tis our old house I must tell you about:
'Twas built for a tavern, all on a stage route;
Great trees of walnut were cut and hauled,
And placed together firmly to make these old walls;
It looks very old and ancient to some,
But yet it is a very dear and comfortable home.
My grandpa says, near sixty years ago or more
He made latches and hinges for these very doors.
The things that were made then were made to wear,
But now things of that kind you'll find very rare.
He had his shop where he could get the breeze,
And he hung his bellows between two trees,
But now his locks are silvery and gray,
And his house is the best place for children to play.
Dear Postmistress, should you be weary and need rest,
The best of all places is near the Athens of the West.
We take Harper's Young People, think it grand indeed,
And take great pleasure when your stories we read.
If you will please print my letter,
I will close by signing my name.
Ninetta.
I wonder if I can match this poetical letter by some jingles. Let me try:
An epistle, dear Netta, so charmingly rhymed,
For weather like this I think very well timed.
I'm glad that at grandpa's, when lessons are done,
Yourself and your friends can have plenty of fun.
And I hope you will try to be thorough, my dear,
So that your work, like his, may last many a year.