1873.] 
AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST, 
427 
& ©mM’ (MDOTM» 0 
To tlie Hoys and Ciirls. 
Aunt Sue has labored so patiently over tlie almost in¬ 
terminable prize puzzle that we think it only right that 
she should have space to show the results ol her labors. 
This, of course, prevents our giving the usual variety in 
the Boys and Girls’ Columns, but we can manage foi 
once without it. The Doctor begins one of his series of 
talks, and we think if the young folks follow him up they 
will learn something of use. Indeed, we think that his 
talk about Limestone will interest the fathers as well as 
the youngsters. 
Tlie Doctor’s Talks. 
ABOUT A PIECE OP LIMESTONE. 
Some of the young people write to say that they would 
like other articles similar to those about a candle. That 
is right. I like to have them tell me what they want, 
and I am glad that they show a desire to have some in¬ 
struction mingled with their amusement. I think that 
it is best to talk of very common things, for there is a 
great deal in matters that we see every day that is new 
to some of us. This time it shall be a bit of limestone. 
There are but few places in which limestone in some 
form can not be had. In some parts of the country 
almost all the rocks are limestone. But how shall you 
be sure that a specimen that you have is of this ? Lime¬ 
stone is often white, but it is found of a gray or yellow¬ 
ish color, sometimes bluish, and through various shades 
and colors up to black. So it will be seen that the color 
is not a sure guide. Indeed, limestone presents such a 
variety of forms and colors that it is difficult to tell you how 
to know it at sight. All the forms are easily scratched 
by a knife, although some are much harder thau others. 
Whether hard or soft, white or colored, all kinds of lime¬ 
stone are pretty much the same thing, and are made up 
of lime and something else which we shall talk about by 
and by. These various kinds have different names. 
Chalk is a very soft kind of limestone, so soft that it 
makes a mark when rubbed upon a board or other hard 
surface. You will not be likely to find any chalk in 
your searches, as all that is used is imported from other 
countries. I shall try to show you at another time that 
chalk is a very peculiar and interesting kind of limestone. 
Many pieces when broken show a surface that appears 
to be made up of little grains, and looks very much like 
lump-sugar. This is called granular limestone. The 
grains may be coarse or very fine, and be held together 
firmly or so loosely that the stone is soft and crumbly. 
The finest kinds of granular limestone are called marble , 
which yon know is pure white or of various colors. Then 
there are some marbles that do not show any grain, 
which are varieties of what is called compact limestone ; 
shell marble shows plainly the remains of shells. In 
some limestone regions crystals are found, some of which 
are as transparent as glass, and specimens that are nearly 
transparent with a luster like satin. These crystals are 
called Iceland Spar , Dog-tooth Spar, Satin Spar, and by 
other names. Well, you will think that there are so 
many kinds of limestone that it will be very hard for you 
to decide whether a stone is limestone or not. Yet this 
is the very thing that I wish you to do, as I want each 
one of you who cares to learn anything about limestone 
—and every one ought to wish to know about such a 
common and useful thing—to get a specimen of some 
kind of it. No matter which of the varieties, but try and 
get some lumps ; pieces as big as a hen’s egg will answer 
our purpose. It will be all the more interesting if you 
can find them among the rocks and stones of the neigh¬ 
borhood. Any intelligent person will tell you if it is any 
use to hunt for limestone in the vicinity, as there are 
some localities where it can not be found at all. Those 
who live where there is none can get a bit of marble 
from the village stone-cutter, or if nothing better can be 
had, a lump of chalk. I have said that all the different 
kinds are so soft that they can be scratched with the 
pocket-knife, and that they differ much in hardness- 
marble being much harder than chalk. There are, how¬ 
ever, other soft stones that are not limestone, and this is 
not a sure test. Here is another test: Put a bit of the 
stone into a wine-glass or small vial—a bit as large as a 
small pea will do—and pour over it some very strong 
vinegar, say a table-spoonful or so. If the bit is limestone 
you will see it effervesce— that is, small bubbles will be 
given off from it and rise through the vinegar. These 
bubbles will be very small, smaller than pins’ heads, and 
you will have to hold the glass up to the light in order to 
see them. After some hours the bit of limestone will 
have grown smaller, and in time it will nearly all dis¬ 
solve. I say nearly all, as there are usually some impuri¬ 
ties left. With some of the hard limestones this action 
takes place very slowly, and yoh will be obliged to pound 
your bit to powder before trying the vinegar—which 
you can easily do with a hammer and a hard flat stone. 
The vinegar should be very strong. Vinegar, you 
know, is an acid; there are other acids that will dis¬ 
solve the limestone more quickly and show the bub¬ 
bles more plainly thau vinegar, but I do not think 
your parents would like to have you use them ; besides, 
it is much better to make experiments as simple as pos¬ 
sible, and with common things that every one has. 
When you have found your specimen of limestone of 
some kind, be it marble, chalk, or common limestone, 
we will try to find out more about it. Let us see what 
we have learned thus far: Limestone varies a great deal 
as to color, texture, and hardness, but all kinds are so soft 
that they can be scratched by a knife. It is acted upon 
by vinegar aud other acids, and gives off bubbles. 
Vinegar dissolves it. This will do for our introduction 
to the limestone. Tue Doctor. 
Tlie Award, ol' Prizes. 
BY AUNT SUE. 
I am very sorry I ever thought of oft'ering prizes for 
“ the greatest number of rivers found in the name of any 
one mountain.” I have not minded the trouble, as I 
have had much kind assistance in my geographical re¬ 
searches, but my feelings have been harrowed up fre¬ 
quently when receiving letters pertaining to the competi¬ 
tion. Some from little children in the country with their 
dozen or two of rivers culled from their school atlases. 
Some from invalids, and I dare say their backs ached 
while poring over the maps (I’m so sorry). Long lists 
from “ Ranges,” all valueless because the parties had not 
fully understood the proposition concerning the “ one 
mountain.” One of these lists was from a young man 
with weak eyes. Now, just fancy the task of looking 
through a map for names printed in th ffweentiest kind of 
type, with weak eyes 1 The only consolation I have is 
that every seeker has been a gainer in geographical in¬ 
formation, and as for myself—just ask me where any 
place or river is 1 I never was so posted on geography 
in my life. 
I have been requested to publish the lists of rivers 
winning the prizes, and I think it only fair to do so. I 
would here state that every name published has been 
found and seen by my assistants or myself in the author¬ 
ities given by the parties sending the lists. It would 
take too much space to give the countries, so you must 
be content with merely the names of the rivers and 
lakes ; the latter are in italics. 
The longest list (after pruning it of gulfs, bayous, 
brooks, creeks, wadies, and estuaries, and leaving only 
such as were called in atlases and gazetteers “ rivers and 
lakes ”) embraces 536 names, made out of the mountain 
“ Skagstolstinderne.” Thirty-one more names have 
been added by different students, so that the supply was 
not exhausted in the first list. 
The first three prizes are won on the above-named 
mountain ; the last three on “ Grand Colombier.” 
The names of the successful competitors are : 
1. Adolph B. Clayton, Halifax, N. S. 
2. Jeannie V. B. Greene, Long Branch, N. J. 
3. Sadie R. Weyman, Pittsburgh, Pa. 
4. Henry W. Simonson, Turin, Lewis Co., N. Y. 
5. Addie W. McCabe, Clinton, Conn. 
(i. Minnie F. Behrdsley, Addison, Lenawee Co., Mich. 
Mountain.— SKAGSTOLSTINDERNE. 
Ain 
Rivers and Lakes. 
Oair I.one 
Sangro 
Aiden 
Gard 
Loan 
Sark 
Agri 
Gardon 
Lorto 
Seal 
Arktet 
Galien 
Larlo 
Sarnen 
Atrek 
Garonne 
Line 
Saline 
Anio 
Gironde 
iMdoga 
Sang Ivoi 
Ale 
Genii 
Lark 
Sedger 
Aline 
Gidea 
Legnet 
Segars 
Alness 
Gers 
Lek 
Seena 
Adige 
Gera 
Lang 
Sper 
Agno 
Gote 
Lined 
Sir 
Ain 
Gila 
Lesse 
Sego 
Aire 
Gir 
Larline 
Segre 
Aisne 
Gian 
Longart 
Seine 
Aide 
Glenade 
Nairn 
Sena 
Alei 
Gota 
Nalon 
Senne 
Alne 
Glatt 
Nar 
Senio 
Alt 
Glen 
Nare 
Selenga 
Alster 
Goil 
Nari 
Selennak 
Alten 
Gorin 
Naro 
Senegal 
Allin. 
Gran 
Naso 
Sennoi 
Anton 
Grand 
Negro 
Serain 
Ard 
Green 
Natron 
Serein 
Argens 
Greta 
Neisse 
Seran 
Ariege 
Arinos 
Grone 
Nitsa 
Sered 
Gar 
Nelson 
Serido 
Arno 
Gan 
Nene 
Serio 
Arnon 
Glina 
Nera 
Sesia 
Aso 
Groene 
Neil 
Sestre 
ASone 
Gilo 
Nero 
Sestra 
Assinee 
Golden 
Ness 
Sio 
Astor 
Godin’s 
Nessa 
Sosna 
Alterno 
Grass 
Nesse 
Setang 
Atsion 
Gave 
Neste 
Sienne 
Attri 
Grant 
Nestes 
Sinde 
Aron 
Great 
Neto 
Sinno 
Aeron 
Glass 
Nieto 
Snake 
Aile 
Idle 
Nida 
Soldier 
Ae 
Idro 
Nied 
Siak 
Arik 
Iga 
Nasi 
Sieg 
Adonis 
Ik 
Nagor 
Sile 
Ak Lon 
Ikorets 
Neale 
Sind 
Adler 
11 ek 
Negrain 
Sil 
Asnen 
Indal 
Niger 
Sinn 
Dal 
Ingoda 
Nen 
Sit 
Danger 
Innerste 
Nai 
Soar 
Dan 
Inster 
Non 
Soda 
Darling 
Iren 
Nil 
Sone 
Dart 
Inn 
Nile 
Soane 
Dee 
Isa 
Nisao 
Slor 
Deen 
Issa 
Nogat 
Stone’s 
Deer 
Isar 
Kilo 
Storan 
Dean 
Israel's 
No 
Strong 
Dease 
Iorsa 
Nelo 
Salo 
Drag 
Indie 
Ngo 
Sann 
Denis 
Iser 
Nore 
Strel 
Derkos 
Iseo 
Ore 
Strielna 
De6na 
Isere 
Oder 
Skagern 
Drina 
Iset 
Oiat 
Sisola 
Detroit 
Isla 
Oeiras 
Stennes 
Dies 
Isle 
Oikel 
Slate 
Disna 
Isker 
Oise 
Sarso 
Dog 
Don 
Isetskoe 
Oka 
Sele 
Island 
Olenek 
Sok 
lirage 
Inner 
Olsa 
Stoke 
Dranse 
lster 
Ona 
Storsa 
Drill 
Itenes 
Or 
Saone 
Dronne 
Isset 
Orel 
Sona 
Dane 
Indals 
Orlik 
Skene 
Dale 
Iron 
Orsa 
Sealg 
Dargle 
Isen 
Ossa 
Tietar 
Dennett 
lien 
Oste 
Tagil 
Dragon 
Iton 
Orta 
Takinos 
Dasti 
Ise 
Orne 
Tal 
Derg 
King 
Orange 
Tardes 
Doree 
Kado 
Onega 
Tarn 
Dniester 
Rei 
Oneida 
Taro 
Deel 
Ken 
Ornaiu 
Tees 
Desire 
Ket 
Ossin 
Teesta 
Eagle 
Eask 
Keta 
Kent 
Osen 
Oster 
Tensas 
Erisa 
Kennet 
Osakis 
Teoge 
Erieort 
Keret 
Osen 
Ter 
Huger 
Kern 
Osage 
Terek 
Etko 
Kali 
Ori 
Tesino 
Eske 
Katrine 
Ostr 
Tessin 
Erl a 
Kola 
Odese 
Tesse 
Esk 
Konda 
Odiel 
Tet 
Elsa 
Kii'enga 
Otter 
Tidan 
Elk 
Kiendar 
Oreti 
Tietar 
Erie 
Klnel 
Oring 
Tiete 
Elis 
Kistna 
Old 
Tiger 
Eil 
Kosa 
Rassein 
Tigrej 
Eider 
Kings ■ 
Roding 
Tiksa 
Eger 
Klar 
Keisen 
Tioga 
Tara 
Ena 
Koti 
Reids 
Eno 
Kale 
Einde 
Telos 
Eo 
Kalon 
Koder 
Tok 
Elde 
Lane' 
Roderg 
Tone 
Eel 
Lando 
Roden 
Tornea 
Eden 
I^ene 
Rossa 
Tosa 
East 
Lagiio 
JUnn 
Tosna 
Earn 
I.aino 
Rede 
Trascu 
Kga 
Lao 
Regis 
Trent 
Este 
Lea 
Jtos 
Trient 
Esker 
Led a 
Roag 
Trigno 
Esla 
Lee 
Rion 
Teton 
Endless 
Lnrke 
Red 
Tinto 
Enns 
Landre 
liee 
Tera 
Ergent 
Leine 
Reno 
Tengri 
El Ain. 
I^ekta 
Rott 
Ta-tsing 
Elon 
Lena 
Rea 
Telek 
Esteras 
Lenne 
Real 
Traisiu 
JCstena 
Leon 
Rega 
Torto 
Ettas 
Lesina 
Regen 
Terne 
Esera 
Liane 
Rikie An 
Test 
Enges 
Lika 
Ross 
Tirso 
Eardle 
Loa 
Rat 
'I ai 
Erkin a 
Loir 
Roe 
Tes 
Egeri 
Loire 
Roes 
Talt 
Eisak 
Loing 
Sor 
Treig 
Tasse 
Edisto 
Loiret 
Sak 
Eder 
Lo Kiang 
Sado 
Tsna 
Elkos 
Leaue 
Sal 
'1 so 
Ulster 
Liards 
Sang 
Tar 
E/iare 
«.Loke 
Srang 
Tail 
Erkene 
Leader 
Salis 
Saline 
Tarkeo 
Erne 
Largo 
Tito 
Esino 
Long 
Salino 
Tolka 
Ennel 
Lora 
Salor 
Tolten 
Essonne 
Ling 
Salso 
Torissa 
Elorn 
Lossie 
Salt 
Tsano 
Gade 
Lost 
San 
Tons 
Gail 
Lot 
Sango 
Trade—536 
Mountain. —GRAND COLOMBIER. 
Rivers and Lakes. 
Arno 
Clare 
Gila 
Mologa 
Alei 
Clarion 
Gian 
Mareb 
Aire 
Clear 
Golden 
Mandeo 
Aro 
Cor 
Good 
Manor 
Ag 
Colmar 
Gordon 
Minab 
Aline 
Corn 
Gade 
Mill 
Adige 
Colan 
Galien 
Mino 
Agno 
Coal 
Geba 
Mira 
Colaire 
Gera 
Moar 
Adi 
Colne 
Gimone 
Mobile 
Ain 
Congo 
Gomera 
Model* 
Aide 
Coon 
Gander 
Mora 
Almond 
Crane 
Gero 
Niger 
Alne 
Corrib 
Gorin 
Nile 
A moo 
C'loon 
Grand 
N ogal 
Ancober 
Cairn 
Grone 
A 7 garni 
Arc 
Creran 
lao 
Nagor 
Arco 
Caroni 
Ibar 
Nilo 
Arno 
Como 
lea 
Nar 
Aron 
Oerna 
lien 
Nora 
Amer 
Carrion 
Indre 
Naco 
Anio 
Cea 
Ingodo 
Nai 
Ard 
Ciroii 
Iron 
N aroo 
Anilore 
Co mi a 
IllgOOl 
Nari 
Argoon 
Celano 
Ingoor 
Negro 
Adler 
Comer 
Inda 
Ngo 
Aeron 
Cclair 
Ilmen 
No 
Agri 
Debo 
11m 
Noro 
Aiden 
Drage 
Idle 
Nore 
Aile 
Dibong 
Ingoda 
Nogoa 
Ain 
Drac 
Loan 
Nare 
Drome 
l.ecb 
N aro- 
Ale 
Doce 
Leba 
N era 
Amoor 
Drin 
lung 
Nerl 
Drina 
Lora 
Nida 
Bo 
Dane 
Loir 
Nied 
Don 
Loire 
Nil 
Dobcor 
Loa 
Nero 
Blanco 
Dal 
Lao 
Nanioi 
Dale 
Laborec 
Ore 
Bocon 
Derg 
Lea 
Oregon 
Doonbeg 
Largo 
Obion 
Dan 
Lima 
Ob 
Borora 
Dargle 
La Mine 
Obi 
Doo 
Lena 
Obra 
Bardo 
Dromore 
Lob Nor. 
(Icale 
Doon 
Limno 
Ocola 
Barren 
Dearborn 
Long 
Odemira 
Boro 
Dema 
Lan 
Oder 
Bride 
Dog 
Lone 
Odiel 
Deg 
Doron 
Lego 
Oglio 
Borgie 
Doom 
Lennn. 
Old 
Brail 
Drag 
Lomond 
Ombrone 
