R. L. K.
Answer.—“French pools” are sometimes called “Paris mutuals.” This system of betting consists of selling tickets on each horse at a certain price. On the race-courses of this country the “mutuals” are $5 each. When the race is started the tickets are all added up in one large pool, and those who hold tickets on the winning horse divide the total pool, less 5 per cent to the pool-seller. For example, in a Paris mutual, tickets in the pool were sold as follows:
| Horse. | Tickets. | Price. | Total. |
| No. 1 | 10 | $5 | $50.00 |
| No. 2 | 9 | 5 | 45.00 |
| No. 3 | 4 | 5 | 20.00 |
| No. 4 | 7 | 5 | 35.00 |
| No. 5 | 8 | 5 | 40.00 |
| Total | $190.00 | ||
| Less 5 per cent | 9.50 | ||
| Net amount for winners | $180.50 |
Here there is a net amount of $180.50 to be divided equally between holders of tickets on the winning horse. In this case, if horse No. 3 wins, each of the four ticket-holders receives $45.12.
THE WIVES OF COLUMBUS.
Cortland, N. Y.
When was Columbus married and whom did he marry?
B. S.
Answer.—Christopher Columbus was twice married. His first wife was Felipa Munnis Perestrelle, daughter of an able Captain of Prince Henry of Portugal, called the “Navigator.” He married her in 1471. His father-in-law’s charts, globes, etc., helped to mature his plans of discovery. Diego, who accompanied his father on the occasion when they were reduced to such straits that Columbus begged at the monastery of La Rabida for bread and water for the child, was the only issue of this marriage. This wife died in 1483 or thereabout. He next married Beatriz Enriquez, at Cordova, in 1487. She was the mother of his second son, Fernando Columbus, who in time became his father’s biographer.