Philip Sidney W.
Chicago, Illinois.
I have no pets to tell about, not even a kitty, for my mamma dislikes both dogs and cats, and is afraid they may become mad, so she will not let us have them in the house. I suppose she knows best, because she is so much older and wiser than we children, but we can't help feeling a little bit sorry. We once had a pretty little yellow canary, but my uncle Horace took it to visit his canary and to help it build a nest. His cross old bird pecked off all our little pet's feathers, and it died. I suppose the old bird was jealous because ours could sing so well, and just killed it as Cain killed Abel. Though we have no birds or pets of any kind in our house, I am glad there are plenty of animals in Lincoln Park, and lots of birds there in the trees. Cruel boys sometimes frighten these birds and rob their nests. Can anything be more wicked than this conduct in boys? A great many sparrows make their home in some Virginia creepers that cover the front of our house. On Sunday last there was a great commotion in the vines, and we found after a while that it came from some old sparrows which were trying to make their young ones go out of the nest and earn their own living. By-and-by the young sparrows fluttered out of the vines to some trees near by, and then the noise stopped—and so must my writing, or you will think my letter too long to print.
Cecilia A. B. M.
Such letters as the one which follows are received with peculiar pleasure by the publishers of Young People:
Ohio State Library, Columbus, Ohio.
Though Harper's Young People is intended for that class of persons only, yet I trust it will not be unseemly for one of "older growth" to give expression to the entertainment and instruction derived from its pages. My interest, from the issue of the first number, continues as zealous as that of any boy or girl who anxiously awaits the coming chapters of "Mr. Stubbs's Brother." Not only are its serials intensely interesting, but each issue imparts also much useful knowledge. No greater or better source of instruction and amusement can be introduced in the family circle.
Wishing you continued success in this pioneer of children's literature.
I remain very respectfully yours,
Mary C. Harbaugh.
Assistant Librarian.