The ancients prized amber very highly, and it was an important article of commerce in early times. From the fact that it is found in large quantities in the remains of the lake-villages of Switzerland, we know that it must have been an article of exchange in prehistoric times.
FLOY.--If you have any pressed flowers, leaves, or other pretty objects which can be sent easily by mail, we have no doubt some of our readers would be glad to send you postage stamps in exchange for them. You can put your offer in the Post-office Box.
JESSE H., JUN.--The English noun envelop, as well as the verb, is accented on the second syllable. The French form of the word, _envelope_, has an even accent on the three syllables. Our word is derived from the French.
JEAN C. P.--Please give the name of the county in which the town of Warren, where you live, is situated. There are several towns of that name in Ohio, and correspondents will not know where to address you unless the county is given also.
FORD D. LYON.--The controversy about the origin of the phrase, "Consistency, thou art a jewel," has not been satisfactorily settled. The saying has been floating about for a great many years, but no one has been able to find out who started it on its travels.
GRACE.--The _ü_ in Olmütz is sounded like the French _u_, very difficult to catch without the aid of a teacher. You can come very near it by pronouncing the vowel _o_ and changing to _e_ without altering the position of the lips.
C. G. G.--The time required for the transmission of a signal through the Atlantic cable varies according to the condition of the batteries. A dispatch has been sent from New York to London and the answer received within an hour.
JAMES MCK.--No charge is made in the matter about which you ask.
SALLIE K., Cincinnati, Ohio.--The name of the street in which you live is so obscurely written that we can not make it out. Write it very plainly, and we will print your request.
DAISY R.--Send enough to make a pretty wreath.
JENNIE S. M.--A very good recipe for butterscotch was given in a letter from Kittie G. in the Post-office Box of YOUNG PEOPLE No. 37.
HENRY C. D.--Glass for windows was made during the Middle Ages in all European countries. In England glass-painting for windows was practiced in 1338. Some splendid windows of York Cathedral were painted at that period by John Thornton, of Coventry. In the fifteenth century English window-glass was more expensive than any other kind of glass. The Egyptians made glass at a very early period of their national existence. Paintings representing glass-blowers making a very large vase show that nearly 4000 years ago the Egyptians were far advanced in this art.