S. N. W.. Deep River, Iowa—Read verse 49 of the thirty-first chapter of Genesis and the marginal note, and you and she will understand the beautiful appropriateness of Mizpah on an engagement ring.
Lizzie J. Clark, Lawrenceburg, Tenn.—The nightingale proper is a migratory bird, common to Northern Africa, Western Asia, and the greater part of Europe. The European nightingale spends the winter in Northern Africa. It may be said to be a native of all the regions above named, although its hatching places are in Europe. Your other question will be answered elsewhere.
George E. White, Englewood—There is more silver in a trade dollar than in the standard United States silver dollar, but it is at a discount in business dealings because it is not a legal tender for debt. Congress has the constitutional authority to declare what coins are a legal tender and what are not. In this case it has outlawed the trade dollar; whether wisely and justly or not is a matter in dispute.
Lillie G. Hendee, Sandwich, Ill.—1. There is a snake with a straight horn on the end of its tail, which, when in rapid motion, looks like a revolving hoop. It is found in Southern Illinois and Missouri, and the country east and south of the same. It is popularly known as the hoop snake. 2. Naturalists are generally agreed that the worms seen after showers do not fall from the clouds; they are not fully agreed as to the proper explanation of their sudden appearance at such times. For further particulars address Professor Forbes, curator of the Laboratory of Natural History, Normal, Ill.
M. S. H., Chicago.—Pierre, the present Western terminus of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad is the railway station nearest to Deadwood, from which it is about 190 miles distant. The Northwestern Express Stage and Transportation Company runs a line of Concord stages between these points.