The multiplication of 987654321 by 45 = 444444444445 Do. 123456789 " 45 = 5555555505 Do. 987654321 " 54 = 53333333334 Do. 123456789 " 54 = 6666666606 Taking the same multiplicand and multiplying by 27 (half 54) the product is 26,666,666,667, all 6’s except the extremes, which read the original multiplier (27). If 72 be used as a multiplier, a similar series of progression is produced. 6. In stables five, can you contrive to put in horses twenty-- In each stable an odd horse, and not a stable empty? “THREE THREES ARE TEN.” This little trick often puzzles many:-- Place three matches, coins, or other articles on the table, and by picking each one up and placing it back three times, counting each time to finish with number 10, instead of 9. Pick up the first match and return it to the table saying 1; the same with the second and third, saying 2 and 3; repeat this counting 4; but the fifth match must be held in the hand, saying at the time it is picked up, 5; the other two are also picked up and held in hand, making 6 and 7; the three matches are then returned to the table as 8, 9, and 10. If done quickly few are able to see through it. 7. A man bought a colt for a certain sum and sold him 2 years afterwards for £50 14s., gaining thereby as much per cent. per annum compound interest as it had cost him. What was the original price? =Do Figures Lie?= “Figures cannot lie,” is a very old saying. Nevertheless, we can all be deceived by them. Perhaps one of the best instances of them leading us astray is the following:-- An employer engaged two young men, A and B, and agreed to pay them wages at the rate of £100 per annum. A enquires if there is to be a “rise,” and is answered by the employer, “Yes, I will increase your wages £5 every six months.” “Oh! that is very small; it’s only £10 per year,” replied A. “Well,” said the employer, “I will double it, and give you a rise of £20 per year.” A accepts the situation on those terms. B, in making his choice, prefers the £5 every six months. At the first glance, it would appear that A’s position was the better. Now, let us see how much each receives up to the end of four years:-- A B 1st year £100 | 50} 1st year 2nd " 120 | 55} 3rd " 140 | 60} 2nd " 4th " 160 | 65} | 70} 3rd " | 75} | 80} 4th " | 85} ---- | ---- £520 | £540