n The trunk of an adult elephant is about 6 feet long and weighs about 300 pounds. It is both strong and dexterous, being able to lift as much as 600 pounds, as well as pluck a blade of grass.

n The America’s Cup yachting trophy is not named for the United States, but rather the yacht America that won the trophy in 1851.

Mark Twain’s 1880 book “A Tramp Abroad” recounts his tour of Europe. In the book, what does Twain call “The most beautiful thing, and the most exquisite, in nature”?

A) The Atlantic Ocean

B) A French vineyard

C) A soap bubble

D) Swiss cheese

Wednesday’s answer: The mariner distress call “mayday” is derived from the French word “m’aidez,” which means “help me.”