AFFECTION.
In the soft soil of little lives
Affection quickly springs and thrives
And grows like anything;
Its tiny tendrils Love puts out,
Not knowing what it's all about
But glad to smile and sing.
—Carolyn Wells.
Playgrounds for Boys.—In a certain Ohio city there is a large placard "Boys, you can play here," It is a large corner lot thronged the whole day through during the good weather with boys playing ball and other games. This lot which could be sold for thousands of dollars, has been donated to the boys for a playground near their homes, The owner realized that the streets are not suitable playgrounds for the children and that accidents occur there almost daily. The streets of our cities are poor places in which to play, bad for the boys, and still worse for the community, If you have vacant lots turn them over to the boys this summer. A boy never forgets a favor, and American boys are not going to abuse good privileges. The loneliest boys are those who are not allowed to play on the beautiful lawn at home, are not allowed on the streets, and wander about from place to place to be told "Move on," every place they go.