He does not like to try it on the horse or on the cow; for the horse can kick, and the cow can hook with her horns. So, like a little coward, he frightens the hens, and the poor geese, and the pig, shut up in his pen.

I do not think it right. We ought to protect the weak, and not try to scare or hurt them.

A. B. C.

THE THREE LITTLE LADIES.

Now, who can find out
What these three little ones are about?
Very busy, you see,
They all seem to be;
But what they are doing,
What work or what pleasure pursuing,
Is more than my wisdom can tell:
And are not you puzzled as well?
One little lady is standing
On a cricket in posture commanding;
Another is pulling out pieces
From a drawer as fast as she pleases;
Another is bearing a roll—
But what for? It is all very droll.
And pray what is pussy about?
She joins in the frolic, no doubt.
These three little ladies, my dear,
Know what they're about: that is clear.
'Tis something important, you see,
Though a puzzle to you and to me;
For they each look as grave as a judge:
So, old folks, don't laugh, and cry, "Fudge!"
It may be that your own great affairs
Are not any more useful than theirs.

Alfred Selwyn.