Answers 413- COIN AND HOLE
Strange though it may at first ap-
pear, a half-dollar may be passed
through that small hole (made by
tracing around a penny) without tear-
ing the paper. This is the largest coin
that can be used. First fold the paper
across the center of the hole and drop
the coin into the fold. Then, holding
the paper at A and B, bring the hands
together upwards, and the coin may
be squeezed through the hole.- A LEAP YEAR PUZZLE
Since the new style was adopted in England in 1752, the first year with five
Wednesdays in February was 1764. Then 1792 and 1804. By adding 28, we
then get 1832, 1860, 1888. Then we make the jump to 1928, 1956, 1984, and- The answer is, therefore, 1888 and 1956. Normally it occurs every
twenty-eighth year, except that 1800 and 1900 (which were not leap years)
come in between, when the rule breaks down. As 2000 will be a leap year,
twenty-eight years from 1984 is correctly 2012. - BLOWING OUT THE CANDLE·
The trick is to lower the funnel until the dotted line, CA, on the top in the
puzzle illustration, is in line with the flame of the candle. Any attempt to
blow the candle out with the flame opposite the center of the opening of the
funnel is hopeless.530. RELEASING THE STICK
If you take the loop and pull through it as much of the coat above and
below the buttonhole as is necessary, it will be possible to pass the lower end
of the stick through the buttonhole and get it in the required position. To dis-
entangle it you reverse the process, though it is rather more perplexing. If you
put it on your friend's coat carefully while he is not looking, it will puzzle
him to remove it without cutting the string.