Athens, Alabama.
I have never written very many letters, but then I am only eight years old. When my grandfather was in Washington as a Senator, my letters were a source of great amusement to him, and he made a very prompt correspondent. The story of "Toby Tyler" was a fine thing. I was sorry when it ended. I have a lot of pets, and a splendid little garden that I cultivate myself. Tom McClellan, my cousin and constant companion, has gone to the country, and I am lonesome. My pony's name is Ribbon. I have six geese, fifteen chickens, and one pig. My dog is dead. I am your champion friend.
Willie S. P.
Lebanon, Missouri.
I am a little girl eight years old. My sister and I have taken Harper's Young People ever since the eighth number was printed, and we like it very much. Our school closed last week with an exhibition. We had a piece called the "Union Tea Party." Columbia, Uncle Sam, and Brother Jonathan received the States, Territories, and Boys from the West. All were dressed in costume, each wearing a sash with the name of the State upon it, and carrying a flag. Each brought an offering to Mother Columbia. My sister, dressed as a Quaker, was Pennsylvania, and I was Rhode Island, and dressed like a Dutch girl.
The fourteen-year locusts are here, and I wish you could listen to them calling "Phar-a-oh! Phar-a-oh!" It sounds as if a thousand toads were singing all at once.
Papa magnified some of the eggs, and they looked larger than grains of rice. He covered one of his fine trees with mosquito net to keep them from it.
I have caught some locusts, and if any of the readers of Young People want a pair, I will send them, if they will give me something in return from their home. I send the editor a little box with some split twigs and two locusts in it.
Netta Serl.
Crow Agency, Montana Territory.
I have taken Young People ever since it was published. My aunt Georgia sends it to me from my old home in Columbus, Ohio. I like "Toby Tyler" the best of all the stories yet. My papa is the physician here, and when the camp is in, there are about thirty-five hundred Indians here. It was as good as a circus to see the Indians receive their annuities, May 11. On this occasion you might see three Indians riding the same pony; and some chiefs would tell of their brave deeds, such as killing a Sioux, or stealing horses from their enemies. The other day I saw a young bear at the trader's store; one of the Indians had brought him in. The Crows call my papa Ech-bar-rei, which means Doctor. I often play ball with the little Indians. There are six white children at this agency besides myself. We see the mountains covered with snow the year around.