Of course you are now in the full tide of vacation. Is Saturday the only day when the boys are allowed to fish, or do you go to the Park on other days, now that school is over for a while?
Detroit, Michigan.
We have a canary-bird, and a dog, and some chickens. The dog's name is Dan, and he chases the chickens all over the yard. We have the darlingest baby you ever did see. She is so sweet! She loves the chickens. I am nine years old.
R. J. R.
LITTLE PATTY.
Cross little Patty sat under a tree,
As fretful as ever a child could be.
"Keep still!" to a singing-bird she said;
"You are out of tune, and you hurt my head."
"Do stop!" she cried, to a dancing brook.
A lamb and a pussy cat came to look
At cross little Patty beneath the tree,
As fretful as ever a child could be.
The pussy cat wondered to see her pout,
And the frisky lambkin skipped about;
But the brook tripped on over stones and moss,
And never found out that Patty was cross.
The bird in the tree-top sang away,
And these were the words she meant to say:
"You poor little girl, why can't you see
That there's nothing at all the matter with me?
"Mend your manners, my dearie, soon,
Or you'll find the whole world out of tune."
Somehow the wind in the leafy tree,
And the rippling water so wild and free,
The bird on the bough, and the snow-white lamb,
And the gentle pussy so mild and calm,
Made Patty ashamed of her naughty mood;
She shook herself well, and said, "I'll be good."
And, presto! the Patty beneath the tree
Was just as sweet as a child could be.
Brandy Station, Virginia.