Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1924-09-18
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
BY FREDERIC J. HASKIV

Q. How did the amount OF our COM
merce carried on American ships COM
pare before the World War with the
amount before the Civil War?-E. p.
A. Before the World War only s
per cent Of our goods was carried in
vessels under the American flag, while
at least so per cent of our commerce
was carried in our own merchant ships
prior to the Civil War
Q. How does the Sahara Desert COM
pare with the United States in size?-
A. e. F.
A. The Sahara has an area Of three
and half million square miles, while
continental United States has but
3,026.7s9. With Alaska and our island
possessions, our territory is slightly
larger than the Sahara Desert.
Q. Was there a Jewish woman CORE
spending 10 Joan Of Area. S. D.
A. Deborah, the wife of Lapodeth.
was one of the earliest judges of
Israel and urged the Israelites to
rise against the Canaanites, who had
oppressed them for generations
Barak, leader of the Israelites, re-
fused to go into battle unless ac-
companied by Deborah. With d
small force she triumphed over the
Canaanites. 1.-The Song of Deborah"
is considered a masterpiece of He
brew literature.
Q. Was it necessary for the Gov
eminent to advertise for black wal
nut in order to obtain the needed
gun stocks and airplane materials
during the war?-L G.
A. While the Government did ad-
vertise for this wood, this WAS found
unnecessary. Walnut Is not SO
plentiful as such woods as oak or
even hickory and ash. but it is
plentiful enough to supply the world
with an average annual cut of
100000 feet of lumber. This pro-
duction was maintained for many
years prior to the war, most Of the
wood going abroad. Since the war
very little has been sent out of the
country, American industries now
consuming walnut at the rate of
100000 feet a year.
Q. How many men went on the
Lewis and Clark expedition?-. S.
A. This expedition, sent out by
President Jefferson to explore the
Louisiana Purchase, had originally
% members. At st. Louis Is men
joined for part of the trip. OF these
II were sent back with collections
and reports. but two recruits were
added, making a. party of SO on the
far western march.
Q. Where is alsike seed raised:-
H NJ. a.
A. Alsike is best grown in the
States which border on Canada,
although parts of Kentucky. Ten
nessee and Missouri are adapted to
this clover. 1t furnishes a large
amount of pasture and the quality
Aof the hay is excellent. While it
D4nakes very suitable hay for horses
and cattle, it is peculiarly adapted
TO sheep, owing to its fneness.
E. D. r.
A A common scold is defined as
one who, by the practice of habitual
scolding disturbs the peace of the
neighborhood. The common law took
cognizance of the offense and resorted
TO various unpleasant devices as pun
ishment for those convicted Of it.
Among the punishments were the
stocks, the ducking stool and the
Drank "a form of bridle). The prac-
tice of Furnishing common scolds sur
wives sporadically in the United
States, in some of which it is recog-
niZed in the penal statutes. but the
punishment has been changed to fine
and imprisonment.
Q. Please tell me whether there are
real mermaids?-E. F.
A. Mermaids are imaginary inhabit-
ants Of the sea The stories concern
ing mermaids, sirens and tritons prob
ably had their origin in the play of
the ina gination concerning such sea
creatures as seals and walruses in
distinctly seen.
Q. How many kinds Of birds are
there in the United States?-I. L.
A. There are 500 distinct kinds Of
birds in this country.
Q. How was postage paid on let
| tiers before postage stamps were
used 90. c. D.
A. The Post Office Department says
| that United States postage stamps
were first issued under act of Con-
gress March 8. 1s41. Prior to these
issues the money for letter was COL
lected from the addressee. so the per-
son who received the mail was the
one that always paid for it,
O. What was the place where boy
was shot because he was sitting on