The following letter will show country boys how a city boy of ten, who had spent all his life in a large hotel, enjoyed his first visit to a village where he could play in the fields, and enjoy the society of other boys in out-of-door sports. He sent an account of his experience to his parents, who have kindly allowed us to print it in Our Post-office Box.
DEAR FATHER AND MOTHER,--I am having lots of fun with Harry F., Lester S., Willie R., and Clint H. at recess. These are the boys who go to school. At recess we play lasso, and tree-tag, and pussy in the corner. Papa, I rode Kit day before yesterday night in the dark to Plainfield, and yesterday I rode her to Plainfield and all around Robert's house. I went out in the corn field to see Robert husk corn. Then when I went home to uncle's, he wanted me to go and get the cows; but I could only find the calves, though I looked all over for them; then I drove the calves, and uncle and I went to look for the cows, but he went afoot, and I went on horseback; and I saw one in the corn, and I went there, and I saw four cows, and I drove them home all alone, and I was so busy I did not shut the bars, and uncle wanted me to go back alone and shut the bars. Dear father, I appreciate the popper and corn, and two days ago I popped a panful, and the boys and I ate it out in the yard, and had a good time. To-day I popped a panful, and Wallace and I ate a little of it, and saved the rest, and I have got it now popped. Dear papa, I learned to husk corn to-day, and yesterday I helped uncle churn to make butter. Oh, mamma, there are lots of girls go to school over here, and have a lot of fun. I can ride terribly fast on Kit. I borrow Mr. McClellan's saddle and bridle. Oh, mamma, the seat of my pants is nearly all torn off, and I have no others. I wish I could get them fixed. Can you tell me how I can, mamma? The boys think a great deal of me--I know they do. Oh, papa, I guess I will get fat pretty soon, because I eat about ten sweet-potatoes, a lot of chicken, and toast at every meal. If I stay much longer, I will want some more money--about fifty cents.
I have often thought I should like to write to the readers of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE. I live in London, England. HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE is given to us by a very kind American gentleman who lives in London. I have two sisters, named Eleanor and Maud, and three brothers, named Francis, Charles, and Edward. We all thought that "Toby Tyler" was delightful. I am in the Telegraph School in London; I expect some day when I get into an office I shall send telegrams to America; I do not think I like any English magazine so well as HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE. I am very fond of reading the letters in the Post-office Box. I was very sorry to hear of the sad death of President Garfield, and the day that he was buried I went to hear the bells of St. Paul's Cathedral ring. They ring only when great people die. They were muffled, and sounded so very solemn! It seemed as if one of our own great men had died. I never remember anything like it. It seemed as if every one was in mourning.