Subscriptions may begin with any Number. When no time is specified, it will be understood that the subscriber desires to commence with the Number issued after the receipt of the order. Remittances should be made by POST-OFFICE MONEY-ORDER OR DRAFT, to avoid risk of loss. Volume I., containing the first 52 Numbers, handsomely bound in illuminated cloth, $3.00, postage prepaid: Cover, title-page, and index for Volume I., 35 cents; postage, 13 cents additional. HARPER & BROTHERS, Franklin Square, N. Y. [Illustration: WHAT CAN THE MATTER BE?] A curious story is told of the way in which Admiral By-the-sea, V.C., C.B.--a very distinguished English naval officer, who has lately retired, after many years of service, from his profession--first came by his name. It is said that when an infant he was picked up by the sailors of a man-of-war in the open sea. They found a bale of goods floating in the water, and lashed to it was the body of a lady with a child in her arms. The mother was dead, but the boy still lived. No clew was found by which the relations of this little waif of the sea could be discovered; and so, after the officers had made some vain attempts to communicate with them by means of advertisements, they determined to adopt the boy, and not knowing his real name, they christened him "By-the-sea." He was sent to a naval school, and when old enough, went to sea again, and was fortunate enough to join the same ship by the crew of which he had been rescued years before. Soon he showed himself a clever and active sailor, ready for anything, and doing whatever he did well; and when the Crimean war came, he displayed such gallantry in assisting his wounded comrades that he gained the Victoria Cross, and was made a Companion of the Bath. After this, promotion came quickly; his services were, later on, transferred to India, where for many years he filled the responsible post of Consulting Naval Officer to the government; and now he retires with the full rank of Admiral. The men who rescued the poor child from the sea, so many years ago, little knew what an honorable and useful life they were preserving by this act for the service of their country. CHARADE. Although in sable plumes my first Displays himself on high, His reputation is the worst, His tastes are low, his race is curst-- We're glad to see him die. My next is in the water found, Or in the cozy inn, Where talk and drink go freely round, Or in the court maintains its ground, Or keeps the thief from sin. My whole is placed in humble hands, And when with skill applied, Will bring to light the golden sands. 'Tis known and used in many lands; It seeks what others hide.