_Solution._--As to rapidity (other things being constant) _L_'s merit is to _M_'s in the ratio of 5 to 2: _Z_'s to _L_'s in the ratio of 4 to 3. In order to get one set of 3 numbers fulfilling these conditions, it is perhaps simplest to take the one that occurs _twice_ as unity, and reduce the others to fractions: this gives, for _L_, _M_, and _Z_, the marks 1, 2/5, 4/3. In estimating for _lightness_, we observe that the greater the weight, the less the merit, so that _Z_'s merit is to _L_'s as 5 to 1. Thus the marks for _lightness_ are 1/5, 5/3, 1. And similarly, the marks for warmth are 3, 1, 1/4. To get the total result, we must _multiply_ _L_'s 3 marks together, and do the same for _M_ and for _Z_. The final numbers are 1 × 1/5 × 3, 2/5 × 5/3 × 1, 4/3 × 1 × 1/4; _i.e._ 3/5, 2/3, 1/3; _i.e._ multiplying throughout by 15 (which will not alter the proportion), 9, 10, 5; showing the order of merit to be _M_, _L_, _Z_. * * * * * Twenty-nine answers have been received, of which five are right, and twenty-four wrong. These hapless ones have all (with three exceptions) fallen into the error of _adding_ the proportional numbers together, for each candidate, instead of _multiplying_. _Why_ the latter is right, rather than the former, is fully proved in text-books, so I will not occupy space by stating it here: but it can be _illustrated_ very easily by the case of length, breadth, and depth. Suppose _A_ and _B_ are rival diggers of rectangular tanks: the amount of work done is evidently measured by the number of _cubical feet_ dug out. Let _A_ dig a tank 10 feet long, 10 wide, 2 deep: let _B_ dig one 6 feet long, 5 wide, 10 deep. The cubical contents are 200, 300; _i.e._ _B_ is best digger in the ratio of 3 to 2. Now try marking for length, width, and depth, separately; giving a maximum mark of 10 to the best in each contest, and then _adding_ the results! Of the twenty-four malefactors, one gives no working, and so has no real claim to be named; but I break the rule for once, in deference to its success in Problem 1: he, she, or it, is ADDLEPATE. The other twenty-three may be divided into five groups. First and worst are, I take it, those who put the rightful winner _last_; arranging them as "Lolo, Zuzu, Mimi." The names of these desperate wrong-doers are AYR, BRADSHAW OF THE FUTURE, FURZE-BUSH and POLLUX (who send a joint answer), GREYSTEAD, GUY, OLD HEN, and SIMPLE SUSAN. The latter was _once_ best of all; the Old Hen has taken advantage of her simplicity, and beguiled her with the chaff which was the bane of her own chickenhood. Secondly, I point the finger of scorn at those who have put the worst candidate at the top; arranging them as "Zuzu, Mimi, Lolo." They are GRAECIA, M. M., OLD CAT, and R. E. X. "'Tis Greece, but----."