Miscellaneous Puzzles 69remained and one-fourth of a sheep. Then a third party of raiders carried off
one-fifth of the remainder and three-fifths of a sheep, leaving 409 behind. What
was the number of sheep in the flock?
- SHEEP SHARING
A correspondent (c. H. P.) puts the following little question:
An Australian farmer dies and leaves his sheep to his three sons. Alfred is
to get 20 per cent more than John, and 25 per cent more than Charles. John's
share is 3,600 sheep. How many sheep does Charles get? Perhaps readers may
like to give this a few moments' consideration.
- THE ARITHMETICAL CABBY
The driver of the taxicab was wanting in civility, so Mr. Wilkins askecl him
for his number.
"You want my number, do you?" said the driver. "Well, work it out for
yourself. If you divide my number by 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 you will find there is al-
ways lover; but if you divide it by II there ain't no remainder. What's more,
there is no other driver with a lower number who can say the same."
What was the fellow's number?
- THE LENGTH OF A LEASE
"I happened to be discussing the tenancy of a friend's property," said the
Colonel, "when he informed me that there was a 99 years' lease. I asked him
how much of this had already expired, and expected a direct answer. But his
reply was that two-thirds of the time past was equal to four-fifths of the time
to come, so I had to work it out for myself."- MARCHING AN ARMY
A body of soldiers was marching in regular column, with five men more in
depth than in front. When the enemy came in sight the front was increased
by 845 men, and the whole was thus drawn up in five lines. How many men
were there in all?