igin of the name Osmunda, will perhaps incline to
another suggestion which has been made, that the generic name had been
derived from an old Saxon word signifying strength, the specific name
indicating its royal or stately habit of growth.

TRAVELLING BAG FOR PETS.

[Illustration: TRAVELLING BAG FOR PETS.]

Little girls who like to carry their pets with them on a journey will be
glad to know how to make this pretty and convenient bag, by means of
which Fido and Mutt can travel like princes. The bag is made of black
leather, and is closed on the side with a lock and key and clamps. The
pocket for holding the dog is fifteen inches wide and nine inches and a
half high. The front is cut out, leaving a margin on the edges an inch
and a half wide, and the opening is filled with a wire screen, through
which the little prisoner can see and breathe freely. For protection,
the screen is covered by two leather flaps, fastened one at the bottom
and one at the top of the bag, which overlap each other, and are secured
by steel clasps.

[Illustration: OUR POST-OFFICE BOX.]

We do not print all letters received, as some are too long, and others
simply ask a question, to which we give an answer. Here is a pretty
letter which needs no comments:

I am a little boy eleven years old, and have been living in South
Carolina, but last summer I got hurt while playing with the boys,
and have been sick ever since. I have not walked for five months.
My parents have brought me to Salem, Massachusetts, where I could
have good doctor's care. My cousin, who lives in New York, very
kindly sends me _Harper's Young People_, and I want to tell you how
much I enjoy it. I am very lonely lying still all the time, but the
boys come to see me, and one of them has two rabbits for me when I
am able to take care of them. I wish all the little boys and girls
could have your paper, it is so nice.

HORACE F. HUTCHINSON.

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"FRED," of Montclair, New Jersey, writes:

I have a handsome yellow cat named Goldy. My cousins Howard and
Charlie have a cat named Blacky, and a dog named Jack. Papa reads
us _Harper's Young People_ every Sunday, and I like it very much.

* * * * *

Here are some very pleasant words from J. E. Woodbridge, Duluth,
Minnesota:

I wish to tell you how I like your paper. I do reall