"The Beetle Horde"--so far--is a gem, and holds the interest. Furthermore, its science is splendid. I am looking forward to its conclusion. "The Cave of Horror" is a damn good yarn, well written, interest sustained: but I didn't care for "The Stolen Mind." The truth is that that particular story didn't hang together very well. It left one up in the air, as it were, and far from satisfied me. Too, the science involved, to say the least of it, was not very sound or plausibly put. In reading the story I felt that the author was one who should be encouraged to write more--nothing wrong with his imagination or ability to fling words--but that he should be gently coerced into writing with better continuity and intelligence. "Compensation" didn't click--too loose--not compact enough. Splendid idea ruined by hasty writing. Another author needing a gentle hint. But "Tanks" was another sure-fire hit with me. Held me to last word. The story sounded real. So for the stories in your first issue. You see, on the whole, I liked all of them. Still, I also like variety. Can't you give us some of the Francis Flagg type of fiction? H. Hyatt Verril is another of my favorites, also Dr. Keller and Clara Harris. I have read mighty good tales by those authors. I believe you could do worse than to run an occasional H. G. Wells story, and if you gave us "The First Men in the Moon" serially, I for one would be delighted. I have tried in vain to get that story and never have. Well, I guess I have said enough. Best wishes for the New Year. May Astounding Stories grow and prosper--and its Editor.--C. Harry Jaeger, 2900 Jeedan Road, Oakland, California. _Likes Interplanetary Stories_ Dear Editor: Having read the first issue of Astounding Stories, I am about to pronounce a sentence on it. It is guilty of being "Astounding" to the Nth degree! I enjoyed all the stories immensely and will be anxiously awaiting the next issue. Now as for some suggestions which I think would improve the magazine. I. Try to have an interplanetary story in each issue. II. Publish a number of interesting letters concerning Astounding Stories in each issue. III. Have several illustrations in long stories. I think this would improve the magazine, although it is perfect just the way it is. Hoping Astounding Stories has a long and successful life!--Forrest Ackerman, 530 Staples Avenue, San Francisco, Cal. _Watch the Coming Issues, Miss Miller!_ Dear Editor: Saw your new magazine at the newsstand and bought it at once. I like the following stories in this issue: "The Beetle Horde," "Phantoms of Reality," "The Stolen Mind." I did not care much for the others, and least of all for "Tanks."