SOLUTIONS
9 stands on his head and so converts his number into 6. This makes
the total 36—an even number—and by making boys 3 and 4
change places with 7 and 8, we get 1 2 7 8 and 5 3 4 6, the figures
of which, in each case, add up to 18. There are just three other
ways in which the boys may be grouped : 1 3 6 8—2 45 7, 14 67
—2 3 5 8, and 2 3 6 7—1 4 5 8.
59.—Tasting the Plum Puddings.
My diagram will show how this puzzle is to be solved. It is the
only way within the conditions laid down. Starting at the pudding
•Stt
& m m ® & ®
m m (k
•i a § i
&• a ® 0
m. m
#—S m.
a a
%
&-m m.
&
m m
m §r-$
with holly at the top left-hand corner, we strike out all the puddings
in twenty-one straight strokes, taste the steaming hot pudding at the
end of the tenth stroke, and end at the second sprig of holly.
60.—Under the Mistletoe Bough.
Everybody was found to have kissed everybody else once under
the mistletoe, with the following additions and exceptions : No male
165
