PN ¥A 7/ .K37 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 022 204 60 Conservation Resources Lig-Free® Type I Ph 8.5, Buffered Best School Entertainments FOR SPECIAL DAYS AND ALL DAYS What difficulties teachers have in trying to provide suitable material for school entertainments and how much money they spend without very satisfactory results. Here are forty-three books, made with the needs of the teachers in view, containing exercises of the most attractive kind for every school occasion. They give sufficient material for many years at a cost much less than would otherwise be expended for something that cannot prove as satisfactory. Kellogg's Practical Recitations, New selections from best authors. .25 Kellogg's Practical Dialogs, Short, natural, popmar. - .25 Kellogg's Little Primary Pieces, Gems for little people. - - - .25 Kellogg's Primary Speaker, Simple rhymes for primary grades. - .25 Kellogg's Practical Declamations, About 100 good short speeches. .25 Kellogg's Special Day .Exercises, 35 splendid selections. - - - .25 Kellogg-'s .Nature Recitations, Poems about animals, flowers, seasons. .25 Kellogg's VanAmburgh's Menagerie, Simple, humorous play. - .15 Kellogg's His Roval ^ibs, Easy dialog for boys and girls. - - - .15 Gannett s Who Killed Cock Robin and Marching in the School Room, (Illus.) Gymnastic play and designs for marching. - - .30 Lamberton's Timothy Cloverseed, Laughable sketch for three characters. -------------- .'15 How to Celebrate Arbor Day, Origin of Arbor Day, tree planting .25 How to Celebrate "Washington's Birthday 10 exercises, drills, etc. .25 How to Celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas All grades, songs, tableaux, recitations. ---- .25 Spring and Summer School Celebrations, For Easter, May Day Memorial Day, July 4, Closing Day. - - - .25 New Year and Midwinter Exercifes, Complete programs on Dickens, Burns, New Year, Winter. - - - - - - - - .25 Fancy Drills and Marches, Attractive and appropriate for all holidays. .25 4Jhristmas Entertainments, Tableaux, 5 short plays, new songs .25 Authors' Birthdays, No. 1, Longfellow, Bryant, Hawthorne, Holmes, Burns, Dickens, Shakespeare. --------- .25 Authors' Birthdays, No. £, Whittier, Emerson, Lowell, Irving, Milton Tennyson, Scott. ' 25 Primary Kecit a » ions. New. 100 selections, bright and sparkling. - .25 Patriotic Quotations, Over 300 selections, to inspire love of country. .25 Quotation Book for Grammar Grades, New. 340 short, extracts. .25 Tip Top Dialogs, A brand new collection, delightfully humorous. - .25 Lincoln the Patriot, Speeches, anecdotes, sketch, portrait. - - .15 At the Court of King Winter, For Christmas. Winter, Winds, Santa Claus, etc. --------------.15 A Visit from Mother Googe, Christmas play for primary pupils. .15 An Object Lesson in History. Historic scenes about Boston. - .15 Banner Days of the Republic, Patriotic Songs with pretty cos- tumes. ---------------.15 Mother Nature's Festival, For Spring. Birds, flowers, trees, April, May. .15 Christmas Star, A fancy drill with songs and recitations. 10 girls. - .^5 Primary Fancy Drills, Fan Fairies for little girls. Ring Drill for 24 child. .15 New Year's Reception. Musical Characters, New Year, Old Year,etc,.15 Work Conquers*, Closing exercises for 11 boys and 8 girls. .15 A Fancy Scarf Drill. Music, and 80 movements. For girls. - - .15 A Noble Spy, A play for boys. Six acts. Historical. - - - - .15 Mother Goose Festival, Musical entertainment. Very attractive. .15 Little Red Riding- Blood, Musical play. Full directions for costumes. .15 A Christmas Meeting, for 25 children. Dryads, Jack Frost, Father Time,. 15 Arbor Day in Primary Room, Recitations and songs for small children. 1 5 A Visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. For 21 or more— all grades. .15 New Arbor Day Exercise, A single but complete program. - - .15 Ttventy-Four Page Program for Arbor Day, A fresh, new pro- gram ready for use. .10 Ask for free copy Kellogg's School Entertainment Catalog, 700 books described. E. L. KELLOGG & CO., 61 E. 9th St., New York PRIMARY SPEAKER RECITATIONS AND DECLAMATIONS FOR THE PRIMARY GRADES IN SCHOOL ARRANGED BY AMOS M. KELLOGG II Editor of The School Journal, The Teachers Institute, Author of School Management, etc. NEW YORK AND CHICAGO E. L. KELLOGG & CO. «* se- KELLOGG'S LATEST Softool Entertainment Books LATEST ISSUES Kellogg's Practical Recitations - 25c- Kellogg's Practical Dialogs - - - 25c. Kellogg's Little Primary Pieces - 25c. Kellogg's Primary Speaker - 25c. Kellogg's Practical Declamations - - 25c. Kellogg's Special Day Exercises - - - 25c. Kellogg's Nature Recitations - 25c. Q^nn,ejt,'s Who Killed Cock Robin, and •„. {JfctaCchiQg in tffe School-Room (illus.) 30c. .KSlfcgg^s^yan An2Kurgh*s Menagerie - 15c. Kellogg's Months of the Year - 15c. . JKelipgg's iNew Patriotic JS^ercises - - 1 5c. .3^rrrb#tc$n'$ Titnothy^Clotfer Seed - - 15c. K^ro&gVThe*Wonde#iIl-Doctor, and Troubles Everywhere - - - - 15c Kellogg's His Royal Nibs - - - - 15c. OTHER VALUABLE 'BOOKS IN THE SERIES Kellogg's Spring and Summer School Cele- brations ------ 25c. Kellogg's Authors' Birthdays, No. 1 - - 15c. Kellogg's Authors' Birthdays, No. 2 - - 25c. Kellogg's Primary Recitations - - - 25c. Kellogg's New Year and Midwinter Exercises 25c. Kellogg's Tip Top Dialogs - - - 25c Kellogg's How to Celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas ----- 25c. Kellogg's Christmas Entertainment - - 25c. Kellogg's How to Celebrate Washington's Birthday ------ 25c. Kellogg's Patriotic Quotations - - - 25c. Kellogg's Quotation Book - - - - 25c. Kellogg's New Fancy Drills and Marches - 25c. Kellogg's Home Coming of Autumn's Queen 25c. Kellogg's Arbor Day in the Primary Room 15c. Kellogg's Lincoln the Patriot - - - 1 f c. Kellogg's Flag Day in the School-Room - 15c. Kellogg's Primary Fancy Drills - - - 15c. -K Copyright 1903 by E. L, KELLOGG & CO., New York. CONTENTS. PAGE What Boys are Wanted 5 If I Were You 6 The Ape's Shop 7 The Little Stitcher 8 Fritz's Education 9 Lad v. Flora 9 Imitations 11 The Wonderful Speller 12 An Opening Piece 13 Be in Time 15 The Little Philosopher 16 Our Visitor 17 The Bright Little Dandelion 18 Punctuality 19 The Dreadful Boy 20 A Scholar 22 The Barefoot Boy that Drives the Cattle Home 22 Five Little Chickens 23 Alphabet of Quotations 24 The Story of a King 27 Good Night 28 Seven Points for Boys 29 Boys Make Men 30 The Little Boy's Pocket 31 A Boy's Complaint 32 When I'm a Man * 33 Hands 34 A Little Boy's Wants 3$ All are Busy 36 When I'm a Woman 37 The Boy to the School-master 39 Do Something 40 When I'm a Man 41 The Funny Small Boy 44 Innocent Child and Snow-white Flower 45 Beautiful Hands 46 A Baby Kangaroo 47 The Frogs at School 48 November's Party 48 Occupations 49 The Little Housekeepers 51 The Sounds of Labor 52 It Never Pays 53 3 Contents* PAGE A November Evening 54 The Four Points 54 The Puzzled Bikd-beast 56 Taking Aim 57 Take Care of the Minutes 59 Keep Trying 59 Two Questions 60 Little Dame Crump 61 Pretty is that Pretty Does 62 Christmas is Coming 62 The Grumbler 63 Smile Whenever You Can 64 The Holiday 65 What We Do in the Morning 66 The Months 66 Nowhere 67 Off the Line 68 "I Can't" 69 The Cheerful Voice 1 70 The Squirrel's Lesson 71 Castles in the Air 72 Little Things 73 Let it Pass 74 A Boy's Plea. 75 The Little Maid for Me 76 House Hunting 77 Over and Over Again 78 Circus Day 78 The Little Peddler 80 The Three Little Bugs 81 Little Mischief 82 Going to School 1 83 The Trusty Boy 84 To-day 86 The Beautiful Land of Nod 87 They Didn't Think 88 Little by Little 90 A Boy's Dream 91 The Rainbow 92 The Voice of the Tree .-. 93 The Sun-beam 94 Pussy Clover 95 Summer in the Country 96 The Rivulet 97 Paddle Your Own Canoe 98 Some Little Rules 99 Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson 100 Evening Thoughts 102 The Flower Girl 102 {Primary Speaker.) fl>rimar£ Speaker, What Boys are Wanted. Boys of spirit, boys of will, Boys of muscle, brain, and power, Fit to cope with anything; These are wanted every hour. Not the weak and whining drones, That all troubles magnify — Not the watchword of "I Can't," But the noble one, " I'll try." Do whate'er you have to do With a true and earnest zeal; Bend your sinews to the task; Put your shoulders to the wheel. Though your duty may be hard, Look not on it as an ill; If it be an honest task, Do it with an honest will. At the anvil, on the farm, Wheresoever you may be, From your future efforts, boys, Comes a nation's destiny. ^ritnari? Speaker. If I Were You. What would I do if I were you ? First thing, -I'd make a rule To put my hat and boots in place When I came home from school. What would I do if I were you ? I wouldn't pout and cry Because I couldn't have my way About a piece of pie. What would I do if I were you ? I'd speak a pleasant word To this and that one in the house And not be sour as curd. What would I do if I were you ? I'd not fly off apace Into a raging passion when Another took my place. And when a body asked my help, I'd try to do a favor, So that it should not always have A disobliging flavor. If I were you, my little friend, I'd try to be so good, That my example, all around Might follow if they could. Then 'twill be easy to obey His law and parents' rule; And you'll be happy, too, and good, At home, or play, or school. W$t &pt'& £>ijop* The Ape's Shop. An Ape and an Owl once kept a shop, As they had seen men do; They found old weights and scales, Which did as well as new. The Owl took down the orders Because he was so wise; He did not need a lamp, He had such great big eyes. A Pig came in to buy (He was so very fat) ; He bought a piece of pork, And put it in his hat. Two Cats cajne in and said, " Can you sell us some mice ? " "O no!" replied the Owl, " But we can give you spice." And thus the shop went on, With things upon the shelf; But nuts the Ape sold none — He ate them all himself. He cracked them with a weight. And hid them in the till, While the busy, wise old Owl Was writing with his quill. A dreary place would be this earth, Were there no little people in it; The song of life would lose its mirth, Were there no children to begin it. — Whittier. 8 primary £>prafeer. The Little Stitcher. (by four girls.) ist Pupil. I'm learning how to sew, and I'm eager to learn; I push the needle in and out, and make the stitches strong; I'm sewing blocks of patchwork for my dolly's pretty bed, And mamma says, the way I work it will not take me long. It's over-and-over — do you know How over-and-over stitches go ? 2d Pupil. I have begun a handkerchief: mamma turned in the edge, And basted it with a pink thread to show me where to sew. It has Greenaway children on it stepping staidly by a hedge ; I look at them when I get tired, or the needle pricks, you know, And that is the way I learn to hem With hemming stitches — do you know them ? 3d Pupil. And I shall learn to run, and darn, and back-stitch, too, I guess ; It wouldn't take me long, I know, if 'twasn't for the thread; But the knots keep coming, and besides — I shall have to confess — Sometimes I slip my thimble off, and use my thumb instead ! When your thread knots, what do you do ? And does it turn all brownish, too ? 4th Pupil. My papa, he's a great big man, as much as six feet high; He's more than forty, and his hair has gray mixed with the black; Well, he can't sew! he can't begin to sew as well as I. If he loses off a button, mamma has to set it back! You mustn't think me proud, you know, But I am seven, and I can sew! $tit?<$ education* Fritz's Education. O Fritz 1 this really is too bad — A dog brought up like you! Do you forget already, sir, All you've been taught to do ? Now, look at me, and pray attend; Give me your right-hand pawl No! that is not the right one, Fritz; I've told you that before. And you must learn to balance things Upon your shiny nose; And, Fritz, be careful when you walk To turn out well your toes. Lady Flora. (an exercise for ten girls.) ist Pupil. What will fair Flora wear upon her head When the weather's unpleasant and colds are a dread ? (Turns to second pupil.) 2d Pupil. Monk's-Zwtfd, surely; she will wear monk's-hood. If she would wear it with comfort and ease, What will she fasten it with, tell me, please? (Turns to third pupil.) 3d Pupil. With bachelor's-button; of course, with bachelor's-button. What will she wear on her slender white hand When she walks in the garden or skips o'er the land? (Turns to fourth pupil.) io ipimars Speaker* 4th Pupil. Fox-glove, surely; why, she will wear iox-glove. And what will she put on her two tiny feet, To fill out her trousseau and make her look neat ? (Turns to fifth pupil.) $th Pupil. Lady-slippers, of course; they are always at hand. Who is it walks near her in country or town, To see that she always looks modestly down ? (Turns to the sixth pupil.) 6th Pupil. Snap-dragon, I'm sure; she'll watch o'er my lady fair. Of whom is she thinking, both morn, noon, and night, Even when old snap-dragon's plainly in sight ? (Turns to seventh pupil.) yth Pupil. Sweet-William, I think; he's lovely, I'm sure. And what does he give her, whenever they part, As he looks in her eyes, with his hand on his heart? (Turns to eighth pupil.) Sth Pupil. Forget-me-not is certainly the flower you mean. What preacher will marry them some happy day, When my lady's of age and has her own way ? (Turns to ninth pupil.) gth Pupil. J ack-in-the-pulpit is the one that is sought. When Flora is married what flower Right quickly must we to her send limitations n To be a reminder she's promised To love, without changing or end ? 10th Pupil. Everlasting is the flower appropriate To all who enter in the marriage state. {All bow together and retire.) — Ione L. Jones. Imitations. [These are a few of the many imitations which may be produced without music, occupying but a few moments of time and tending to arouse a school to a healthy state of activity.] The teacher says, "Let us have a calm," {the pupils instantly become perfectly quiet and motionless). "Let us have a breeze" {the pupils immediately commence making a rustling sound with the hands, and a slight hissing sound through the teeth, like a soft wind through the leaves). "Let us have a gale" {a rustling sound is made with the hands, a portion of the class make a loud hiss- ing sound through the teeth, while the rest make almost a whistling sound like the cold wind whistling through the trees.) "Let us have a storm " {for this the gale is continued with an additional exercise of shoving — not raising — the feet on the -floor). "Let us have a hurricane" {for this the storm is continued with greater vehemence and occasionally striking the heels on the -floor). "Let us have a calm," {all are instantly quiet and motionless). [For a little discipline in changing quickly from one exercise to another where no similarity exists, it is a pleasing exercise to give the signal, "a calm," between each of the above exercises. It is surprising how quickly they will cease one exercise and execute the next. — Flora T. Parsons.] i2 l^rimajn? Speaker* The Wonderful Speller. Characters: James, a large boy, Willie; a small boy. [James is sitting by the table reading, and Willie comes in with a bag of books, and acts with pride and importance. James exhibits surprise.] {Enter Willie.) James. Hallo, what great man is this? Willie. Oh, I can't be bothered; I've get to get my lessons. /. You don't mean to say you go to school? W. Of course I do. Why shouldn't I ? J. You are too small. W. Me, too small! Humph! Why, it's the size of the mind you've got to consider. /. I see, I see. What do you do at school ? W. Why, spell, of course. — s-p-e-1-1, spell. /. That's right. Can you spell "eye." W. Me or you? /. No. I. W. Of course I can. Y-o-u, you. Give me some- thing harder. /. That's not the way; I mean "eye." W. Well, what's your name, anyhow? /. James Monteith Winterbottom. W. We don't spell the names of such people at our school. /. What else do you do at school ? W. Oh, I study jography, and 'rithmetic, and — and — /. And grammar, algebra, geology, zoology (speaks rapidly). W. No, I don't; the big boys do that, and it makes them sweat. J. Do you ever get licked ? W. What ! me ? No, sir. I am always at the head or next to it. #n Opening JjDiece* 13 /. Indeed! How many in your class? W. Me and another girl. She wasn't there to-day and so I was at the head. /. Hire her to stay away, and you will win the prize. W. I am going to have ten cents to-day from my uncle for being at the head. /. Why you are almost able to keep a school your- self. W. I know it. I'm going to be a teacher — t-e-a-c-h-e-r — teacher. /. Can you read ? W. Not yet. I want to learn to spell first. /. Well, you are a pretty smart fellow. W. I know it — k-n-o-w i-t, know it. (Goes out spelling.) J. He has considerable to learn yet. (Goes out.) An Opening Piece. (for seven girls or boys.) [Let each have a card suspended round his neck; when reciting the last line of his verse let the pupil turn the card and show the letter.] w. Welcome, kind friends, we greet you all Who have come in answer to our call, — I now will gladly turn to view, My letter, which is " W." (Bows.) E. Every beaming face I see Seems to answer back to me Smile for smile, in merry <^lee, — Behold, behold, my letter k 'E." QBoias.) 14 primary Speaker* L. Love and joy and wit combine In the festive wreath we twine; We hope to charm with magic spell, — And so I turn my letter "L." (Bows.) C. Care hath no place with us to-night Joy's on these youthful faces bright, From all Life's shadows free — And so I turn my letter "C." (Bows.) O. We know you've not forgotten quite All youth's rosy morning light, Shining in the long ago, — My letter is the letter " O." (Bows.) M. If we with our bright merry lore Can make you all feel young once more, We will not have wrought in vain; — . See, see, I show the letter "M." (Bows.) E. E stands for "end," and so you see, That is the one that comes to me; All things must have an end they say, And so kind friends we'll only stay A moment that you all may see What word is ended with my " E." (Bows.) All. "Welcome," is the word we spell, And "welcome" say our hearts as well, Welcome, old and young and all Who have answered to our call, Welcome, welcome, welcome all. (All bow together.) Wt in Qtimt. 15 Be in Time. Be in time for every call ; If you can, be first of all; Be in time. If your teachers only find You are never once behind, But are like the dial, true, They will always trust to you; Be in time. Never linger ere you start, Set out with a willing heart; Be in time. In the morning up and on, First to work, and soonest done; This is how the goal's attained; This is how the prize is gained; Be in time. Those who aim at something great Never yet were found too late; Be in time. Life with all is but a school; We must work by plan and rule, Ever steady, earnest, true, Whatsoever you may do, Be in time. Listen, then, to wisdom's call — Knowledge now is free to all; Be in time. Youth must daily toil and strive, Treasures for the future hive; For the work they have to do, Keep this motto still in view — Be in time. 1 6 primary £>peafeer* The Little Philosopher. The days are short, and the nights are long, And the wind is nipping cold; The tasks are hard and the sums are wrong And the teachers often scold. But Johnny McCree, Oh, what cares he, As he whistles along the way ? "It will all come right By to morrow night. " Says Johnny McCree to-day. The plums are few, and the cake is plain, The shoes are out at the toe; For money you look in the purse in vain — It was all spent long ago. But Johnny McCree, Oh, what cares he As he whistles along the street? Would you have the blues For a pair of shoes While you have a pair of feet ? The snow is deep, there are paths to break But the little arm is strong, And work is play, if you'll only take Your work with a bit of song. And Johnny McCree, Oh, what cares he As he whistles along the road ? He will do his best And leave the rest To the care of his Father, God. The mother's face is often sad — She scarce knows what to do; But at Johnny's kiss she is bright and glad — She loves him, and wouldn't you ? ®ur ©isttor* 17 For Johnny McCree, Oh, what cares he As he whistles along the way ? The trouble will go, And "I told you so," Our brave little John will say. — Harper's Young People. %%% Our Visitor. Right into our house one day, A dear little angel came, I ran to him, and said softly, " Little angel, what is your name?" He said not a word in answer, But smiled a beautiful smile, Then I said, "May I go home with you? Shall you go in a little while?" But mamma said, " Dear little angel, Don't leave us! Oh, always stay! We will all of us love you dearly! Sweet angel! Oh, don't go away!" So he staid, and he staid, and we loved him, As we could not have loved another. Do you want to know who it was ? Why it was — My little brother, %%% The Motto to Wear. The proudest motto for the young — Write it in lines of gold Upon thy heart, and in thy mind The stirring words unfold ; And in misfortune's dreary hour, Or fortune's prosperous gale, 'Twill have a holy, cheering power, " There's no such word as fail." 18 primary Speaker* The Bright Little Dandelion. Bright little dandelion Glitters in the sun, The wind combs out his yellow hair Like gold that is spun: Let the winter work its will With its frost and snow; When he hears the robin's trill, He begins to grow. What is he about there, Underneath the mould? Has he not an hour to spare, Digging hard for gold ? Has he work enough to do To cut his jacket green, To slash it and shape it too ? Fit for king or queen ? How does he hear, think, When brooks begin to coo? Does he never sleep a wink The long night through? Like a ghost he fades, alas, Ere the summer's, fled, In among the meadow grass, A halo around Lis head! — From Our Little Ones. Who is This? I know a child, and who she is I'll tell you by and by, When mamma says, "Do this" or "that", She says, "What for?" and "Why?" She'd be a better child by far, If she would say, " I'll try." punctuality* 19 Punctuality. Characters: Mary and Anna. [The characters must be dressed as though on their way home fiom school, with hats on and books in their hands. Mary is walk- ing briskly along, and Anna comes running after her.] Mary. Twice one is two. Twice two is four. Anna. (Running.) Mary, Mary, wait for me. M. (Stopping.) Why, what kept you? A. The teacher made me wait. She talked to me about being late this morning! M. She don't talk to me, for I don't come late. A. I wish I could come early too, for you seem to have a nice time before school. M . Yes, we do. There is Sarah Cook, Belle Pritch- ard, and Emma Hartwick, and I, are always in good season. So we sit in the corner and play games, on our slates. A. I am never in season to play any games I generally have to wait in the hall until " morning exercises" are over and my feet get real cold. M. What makes you late ? A. Why, I have a baby brother. M . Why, so have I ! A. And I help take care of him. M. Why, so do I, A. Well, we — that is, I don't get up very early, and so there is a great deal to do. M. Now, I will tell you how I manage. I get up as soon as I am called, and I help get the breakfast and then I get ready for school. When I am ready, I put on an apron and hold the baby until half-past eight. Then I say, " mother I must go to school now." I hang up my apron and get my hat, and coat, and over-shoes, and away I go. A. Well, I guess I lose time by not getting up when I am called. Then it is all hurry, hurry, hurry. 20 primary Speaker* M. Why don't you get up ? A. Oh! I guess I am lazy. M. (Laughing.) I guess that's it. Try my plan. A. I will try your plan, Mary. M. Then you can play some games with me to- morrow. A. Good-bye. M. Good-bye, Anna. Remember now to get up when called in the morning. (They separate and run off.) The Dreadful Boy. I'm looking for a dreadful boy, Does anybody know him ? Who's leading all the other boys The way they shouldn't go in. I think if I could find that boy I'd stop what he is doin' — A-bringing all the other boys To certain mortal ruin. There's Tommy Green, a growing lad, His mother has informed me That he is getting very bad — It certainly alarms me. She feels the blame should rest upon John Brown — a recent comer — For Tommy was a lovely child A year ago this summer. But when I spoke to Mrs. Brown Her inmost soul was shaken, To think that Mrs. Green should be So very much mistaken; W$t SDreaDfui 115o^ 21 She did assure me Johnny was As good a child as any, Except for learning naughty things From Mrs. Whiting's Benny. And Mrs. Whiting frets because Of Mrs. Blackburn's Freddy; She fears he's taught young Benjamin Some wicked tricks already, Yet Fred is such an innocent, (So thinks his darling mother.) He wouldn't think of doing wrong, Untempted by another. Yes, when I think I've found the boy Whose ways are so disgracin', I always learn he's some one else, And lives some other place in. And if we cannot search him out, He will (most dreadful pity!) Spoil all the boys who otherwise Would ornament the city. Who Knows? Do you know how many stars There are shining in the sky ? Do you know how many clouds Every day go floating by ? God in Heaven has counted all, He would miss one should it fall. Do you know how many children Go to little beds at night, And without a care or sorrow, Wake up in the morning light ? God in Heaven each name can tell, Knows you too, and knows you well. 22 primary Speaker* A Scholar. " Yes, I am five years old to-day! Last week I put my dolls away; For it was time, I'm sure you'll say, For one so old to go To school, and learn to read and spell;— And I am doing very well; — Perhaps you'd like to hear me tell How many things I know. "Well, if you'll only take a look- Yes, this is it — the last I took, Here in my pretty picture-book, Just near the purple cover; — Now listen — Here are one, two, three Wee little letters, don't you see ? Their names are D and O and G; They spell — now guess!— Old Rover! " — St. Nicholas. The Barefoot Boy that Drives the Cattle Home. 'Tis evening, and the round, red sun sinks slowly in the west; The flowers fold their petals up, the birds fly to the nest; The crickets chirrup in the grass, the bats wheel to and fro, And tinkle-tankle up the lane the lowing cattle go, And the rich man from his carriage looks out on them as they come — On them, and on the barefoot boy that drives the cattle home. "I wish," the boy said to himself, "I was that millionaire, I'd have a palace for my home and never know a care; There is no wish that heart could frame I would not gratify, There would not be in all the land a happier man than I! jftoe JLtttle Cljtcftens* 23 What joy 'twould be to lead a life where cares would never come, And be no more the barefoot boy that drives the cattle home." The rich man sighs unto himself: "My wealth I'd gladly give Could I but live another life than that which I now live — Could I but leave behind the glare and tumult of the town, And sleep at night without a care if stocks went up or down. I'd give my palace and my yacht that sails the ocean foam, To be once more the barefoot boy that drives the cattle home." Five Little Chickens. Said the first little chicken, With a queer little squirm, " Oh, I wish I could find A fat little worm." Said the next little chicken, With an odd little shrug, "Oh! I wish I could find A fat little bug." Said the third little chicken, With a sharp little squeal, "Oh! I wish I could find Some nice yellow meal." Said the fourth little chicken, With a small sigh of grief, "I wish I could find A green little leaf." Said the fifth little chicken, With a faint little moan, " I wish I could find A wee gravel stone." 24 iJOrtmary Speaker. "Now see here," said the mother, From the green garden patch, "If you want any breakfast, You must come and scratch." — Kindergarten Magazine. Alphabet of Quotations. (for twenty-six pupils.) [Let there be cards prepared, nine by twelve inches; each is to be hung around the neck with a ribbon. Let five pupils march up at once and stand on the stage and face the audience. At a signal they all bow; the teacher in the rear of the room can give the signal. They recite their quotations, bow, and retire, and others follow. The letters can be used on other occasions.] A. A good word for a bad one costs little and is worth much. B. By doing nothing we learn to do ill. C. Count that day lost Whose low descending sun Views from thy heart or hand No worthy action done. D. Dare to be true, nothing can need a lie, The fault that needs it most, grows two thereby. E. Evil is wrought by want of thought, as well as by want of heart. F. Fear nothing but a mean action. alphabet of &uotatton& 25 G. Gratitude is the music of the heart when its chords are swept by kindness. H. Honor and shame from no condition rise ; Act w r ell your part; there all the honor lies. I. It is more noble to make yourself great than to be born so. Just as the twig is bent the tree's inclined. K. Kindness is the music of good-will to men, and on this harp the smallest fingers' may play Heaven's sweetest tones on earth. L. Lost yesterday, somewhere between sunrise and sunset, two golden hours, each set with sixty diamond minutes. No reward is offered, for they are gone forever. M. Manners often make fortunes. N. Nothing is troublesome that we do willingly. O. One by one thy duties wait thee, Let thy whole strength go to each. Let no future dreams elate thee, Learn thou first what these can teach. P. Politeness is to do and say the kindest things in the kind- est way. q. Quiet persons are welcome everywhere. 26 primary Speaker* R. Return the civilities thou receivest, and be ever grateful for favors. S. Small service is true service while it lasts; Of friends, however humble, scorn not one. T. The weakest may be sent to give the strongest saving strength. U. Use every man after his desert, and who should 'scape whipping ? V. Virtue alone is ennobling. W. We learn by doing. X. 'Xcelleth all the rest, He who follows love's behest. Y. Ye who would in aught excel, Ponder 'this simple maxim well: A wise man's censure may appall, But a fool's praise is worst of all. Z. Zeal without knowledge is like fire without light. Time Flies. The moments fly, a minute's gone; The minute's fly, an hour is run; The day is fled, the night is here; Thus flies a week, a month, a year. W^t £>tor£ of a &tn& 27 The Story of a King. " I never, never, can learn it," The little maiden cried, And, seeing a tear upon her cheek, I called her to my side And said, " I wonder how many times My little daughter has tried !" "Have you tried to learn it nine times ?" Is the question I bring. I saw in her eyes it was strange I had asked such a thing. Then I said, " Suppose that I tell The tale of a great king?" "You are fond of brave old Scotland; Well, it is centuries since A dreadful war swept over the land, Against the rightful prince, Till her purple moors were trampled down, And stained with bloody tints. " Long time held out the struggle, As to which should victor be, Till at last, with hope and courage lost, The prince was forced to flee, And glad of refuge in rock or wood Or shepherd's hut was he. " Once, lying upon a pallet Of straw, in a poor shed, He saw where a little spider had spun Its frail and silken thread. And was trying to climb on the slender line To a rafter overhead. 28 primary Speaker* "Nine times it tried"— little Edith Here wore a tell-tale face — "And again it fell and again it turned Its long way to retrace. But the tenth time was the victory gained — It reached its wished-for place. " Then the prince, with kindled courage, To his feet sprang eagerly, And cried, ' If that young little thing Has faith to try, and try; And can do the thing that many times It failed in — why not I ? ' "And he rallied his scattered forces, His zeal recovering, And over his almost conquering foes He swept them — triumphing! And the blood-stains paled from the heather bloom And Robert Bruce was king. " My child, when you feel that trying Is only fit for a drone, Remember, the persevering will By a mere small spider shown, Ended a war, and placed a king Of Scotland on his throne !" Good Night. A fair little girl sat under a tree, Sewing as long as her eyes could see; Then smoothed her work, and folded it right, And said, " Dear work, good-night, good-night." Such a number of rooks came over her head, Crying, "Caw, caw," on their way to bed; She said, as she watched their curious flight, " Little black things, good-night, good-night." g>eben JBotnts for HBo^ 29 The horses neighed, and the oxen lowed, The sheep's " Bleat, bleat," came over the road, All seeming to say, with a quiet delight, " Good little girl, good-night, good-night." She did not say to the sun, " Good-night," Though she saw him there, like a ball of light; For she knew he had God's time to keep All over the world, and never could sleep. The tall pink fox-glove bowed his head, The violet courtesied, and went to bed; And good little Lucy tied up her hair, And said, on her knees, her favorite prayer. And while on her pillow she softly lay, She knew nothing more till again it was day — And all things said to the beautiful sun, " Good-morning, good-morning; our work is begun." — Lord Houghton. Seven Points for Boys. 1. Be honest, my boy, be honest, I say; Be honest at work, be honest at play; The same in the dark as when in the light; Your deeds need not then be kept out of sight. 2. The next thing you need is knowledge, my boy; You should all your time in study employ; Let knowledge display industry, too, And you'll seldom need say, " I've nothing to do." 3. But work calls for action, muscle, and will; Boys must "get up and get," their stations to fill; And boys should be active as ever they can — A dull, stupid boy grows up a dull, stupid man. 30 ^rimar^ Speaker* * 4. But simple activity will not suffice; Some shrewd, active boys are shirks in disguise. They make all the moves the industrious do, But don't care a fig to push business through. 5. The next thing in order — avoiding display — Is, boys should be careful to hear and obey, Not even presuming to make a reply, Not, muttering, say, "HI go by and by." But promptly obey with a hearty good will, Attempting, at least, the whole order to fill. 6. Again: Be not fitful, but stick to your work Never let it be said that you are a shirk ; But when any task is fairly begun, Keep "pegging away," until it is done. 7. Be honest, be wise, and industrious, too; Be active, obedient, obliging, and true; Be faithful in all things, be clean as you can, Polite in your manners, and you'll be a man. — Uncle Amasa in the Baptist. Boys Make Men. When you see a ragged urchin, Standing wistful in the street, With torn hat and kneeless trousers, Dirty face, and bare red feet, Pass not by the child unheeding; Smile upon him. Mark me, when He's grown old he'll not forget it; For remember, boys make men. Have you never seen a grandsire, With his eyes aglow with joy, Bring to mind some act of kindness — Something said to him, a boy? W$t JUttie 115oe>0 JjDocfeet* 31 Or, relate some slight or coldness, With a brow all clouded, when He recalled some heart too thoughtless To remember boys make men ? Let us try to add some pleasure To the life of every boy; For each child needs kindly interest In its sorrow and its joy. Call your boys home by its brightness; They avoid the household when It is cheerless with unkindness; For remember — boys make men. The Little Boy's Pocket. Do you know what's in my pottet ? Such a lot o' treasures in it! Listen, now, while I bedin it; Such a lot o' sings it hold, And all there is you sail be told. Every sin' dat's in my pottet, And when, and where, and how I dot it. First of all, here's in my pottet A beauty shell; I picked it up, And here's the handle of a cup That somebody has broke at tea, The shell's a hole in it, you see, Nobody knows that I have dot it, I keep it safe here in my pottet. And here's my ball, too, in my pottet, And here's my pennies, one, two, three, That aunt Mary gave to me; To-morrow day I'll buy a spade, When I'm out walking with the maid, I can't put dat here in my pottet, But I can use it when I've dot it. 32 ^primary Speaker* Here's some more sin's in my pottet ? Here's my lead and here's my string, And once I had an iron ring, But through a hole it lost one day; And here is what I always say — A hole's the worst sin' in a pottet — Have it mended when you've dot it. A Boy's Complaint. Here are questions in physics and grammar That would puzzle you somewhat I know, Can you tell what is meant by inertia ? Can you clearly define rain and snow ? Do you know there's a valve in the bellows? Can you tell why your clock is too slow ? Why the pendulum needs looking after ? Perhaps it is swinging too low. " They was going uptown in the evening," Do you call that bad grammar, I say ? I'm sure Mary Jones and her mother Say worse things than that every day. But I s'pose "was" should be in the plural, To agree with its old subject "they" According to rule — my! I've lost it, There's two per cent, gone right away. And now, only look at the parsing, It will surely take in every rule; And down at the end more false syntax. With authorities given "in full." Arithmetic, my! how I hate it, I'm stupid at that in the class, So, how, in the name of creation, Can I be expected to pass ? W\)t\\ 31'm a span* 33 Here's a ten-acre lot to be fenced in, Here is duty to find on some tea ; Here's a problem in old alligation, And a monstrous square-root one I see. Can you tell who defeated the Indians ? Do you know w T ho was killed in a duel ? Do you know what the first tax was raised on ? And how some just thought it was cruel ? Perhaps I may pass on an average, If three-fourths are right I'll get through; But my teacher calls such standing shabby, So what is a poor boy to do ? — Annie H. Streeter in Buffalo Express. When I'm a Man. An eager youth, with beaming eyes, Looked out into the world, And cried, "My ship's in harbor yet, My banners still are furled, But I will do the thing I can When I'm a man! " There are such wrongs to be redressed, Such rights that need defense, I'll give my heart to all that's good. My scorn to all pretense; I'll work out many a noble plan When I'm a man! "I have so much to see and do, So much that I must say; When childhood's happy days have gone, With lessons and with play, Then I shall try the best I can To be a man." — Mary A. Barr. 34 JSrimary Speaker* Hands. I gazed on the hand of an infant, Chubby, dimpled, fair, Grasping the golden sunbeams, Or toying with mama's hair; And smiled on the tiny creature, At the gate of human life; Entering, crowing, laughing, On the field of earthly strife. And saw it the hand of beauty, Decked with gems of gold, The hand of a promising maiden With her destiny all untold; She meets her king, her lover, Yields up her woman's heart, And in the old, old play of life, Begins her unstudied part. The play, alas ! proved tragic, I saw her poor bent head, The widowed, weeping mother, With all ambition dead. Let the boy she rears to manhood Gaze on her hardened palm, And own the hand of beauty Held never so great a charm. Go out in the world and struggle, That her toil-worn hand may rest, Crown her with a life-long love, The purest and the best; And should her second childhood Come to her weary heart, Let her grasp again the sunbeams That from affection dart. — Mary K. Hanley. £ JLittle Woy's Wmts. 35 A Little Boy's Wants. (BY KATE LAWRENCE.) [This may be used as a recitation for seven pupils who stand on the stage. Another pupils stands and asks, "What does the little boy want the first year?" To this No. 1 replies by reciting the first verse. The question then is asked, "What does the little boy want the second year?" To this pupil No. 2 replies by reciting the second verse, and so on. At the end all bow to the audience, watching the motion of the leader.] FIRST YEAR. He wants a merry rattle, He wants a rubber ring, He wants a dainty swing-crib, He wants mama to sing. SECOND YEAR. He wants a baby-dolly, . He wants to dig for shells, He wants a penny trumpet, He wants a string of bells. THIRD YEAR. He wants some blocks for building, He wants a horse on wheels, He wants a little wagon, To fill with empty reels. FOURTH YEAR. He wants a sword and pistol, He wants a fife and drum, He wants some books with pictures, Bo-Peep and brave Tom Thumb. FIFTH YEAR. He w r ants a cap and muffler, He wants some mittens red, He wants to skate on rollers, He wants to own a sled. 36 primary Speaker* SIXTH YEAR. He wants big boots like father's, He wants a " v'lossipede," He wants a slate and pencil, He wants to learn to read. SEVENTH YEAR. He wants a goat and carriage, And just a few things more, — Well, wait and see what Santa Claus Can spare from out his store. — Youth's Companion. All are Busy. Little birds in their nests are breaking Into song by themselves; Garden spiders are busy making Gauzes for pixies and elves; Caterpillars are slowly weaving Hammocks of silken thread; And honey-bees are boldly thieving Pollen, for daily bread. The little brook is almost dizzy, Turning the big mill-wheel; Wasps and ants are about and busy, Where they may borrow or steal; The mother mosquito is launching her wherry, Manned by a sleepy crew; When they make land, awake and right merry, They'll find work ashore to do. — Mary N. Prescott. WL\)tn 31'm a OToman* 37 When I'm a Woman. (a dialogue for seven little girls.) 1st. — Nobody knows how I want to grow, How I count the days as they come and go, Wishing and wishing that time had wings, For I've made up my mind to do great things When I'm a woman! I mean to grow wiser year by year, And I'll be so smart that the people here Shall ask how I manage so. 2d.— When I'm a woman I mean to show What wonderful things a woman can know; I'll know French and German to write and speak, And read all those funny old books in Greek, Besides what there are in Latin; I won't take a minute to w r ork or play, But I'll study by night and I'll study by day, To show what a woman can do ! 3d-- A writer I'll be, and I'll engage To write not a single stupid page, But funny, short stories for girls and boys, And songs to be sung with a good deal of noise, And marvellous fairy tales! I know all the children will buy my books, And I'll write some, too, for the older folks; In the newspapers, first, I guess, Letters, perhaps, from over the sea, To tell the strange things that have happened to me, And how the queer people dress. 4th. — ■ Such a famous housekeeper I will be, That all the ladies will call to see How ever I mak^ such beautiful bread, For all my household shall be well fed 38 primary £>peakejt^ When I'm a woman. Oh I the sweetest jellies and creams I'll make; And of daintiest puddings, and pies, and cake, I will always have great store. My kitchen floor shall be snowy white, And everything else shall be just right That you find inside my door. 5 th.— I'll be a lecturer, travelling about, When it isn't too stormy for men to come out; I'll show them their sphere, and woman's, too, And tell the young girls what they ought to do When they are women. I'll let people see why the world goes wrong, And make them all hope that it won't be long Before women can have their way; Freedom to lecture, to vote, to preach, To do everything within their reach, We surely will have some day! 6th — I'll be a milliner, wrapped in a cloud Of laces and ribbons, and sought by a crowd Of beautiful ladies in velvets and pearl, Who want exquisite hats for their dear little girls, In styles just fresh from Paris. Such ravishing bonnets as I'll invent Have never been seen on this continent! And for customers to prepare them, I'll have dozens of girls sewing night and day, For fear the new fashions will grow passe Before folks get a chance to wear them. 7/k— When I'm a woman, a teacher I'll be, And I hope I'll often have company; For I think the scholars will prove the best When committees and parents show interest When I am a woman tEtie H5o£ to ttje %>t\)oobnw$ttt. 39 I expect that teachers will have great pay, And won't work more than three hours a day, And vacations will be so long! I'll caution my scholars to take great care To study no more than their health will bear, For that would be very wrong. AIL— When we are women, you then will see The useful things that women can be. — Lucy B. Wiggin in Good Times. The Boy to the School-master. You've quizzed me often and puzzled me long, You've asked me to cipher and spell, You've called me a dunce if I answered wrong, Or a dolt if I failed to tell Just when to say lie and when to say lay, Or what nine sevens may make, Or the longitude of Kamschatka Bay, Or the I-forget-what's-its-name lake, So I think it's my turn, I do, To ask a question or so of you. The school-master then opened wide his eyes, But said not a word for sheer surprise. Can you tell what "phen-dubs" means? I can. Can you say all off by heart The "onery twoery ickery ann," Or tell " alleys" and " commons'' apart? Can you fling a top, I would like to know, Till it hums like a bumble bee ? Can you make a kite yourself that will go 'Most as high as the eye can see, Till it sails and soars like a hawk on the wing, And the little birds come and light on its string? The school-master looked, oh! very demure, But his mouth was twitching, I'm almost sure. 40 iprimar^ Speaker* Can you tell where the nest of the oriole swings, Or the color its eggs may be ? Do you know the time when the squirrel brings Its young from their nest in the tree ? Can you tell when the chestnuts are ready to drop, Or where the best hazel-nuts grow ? Can you climb a high tree to the very tip-top, Then gaze without trembling below ? Can you swim and dive, can you jump and run, Or do anything else we boys call fun ? The master's voice trembled as he replied, " You are right, my lad, I'm the dunce," he sighed. — E. J. Wheeler, in Wide Awake. Do Something. If the world seems cold to you, Kindle fires to warm it! Let their comfort hide from you Winters that deform it. Hearts as frozen as your own To that radiance gather; You will soon forget to moan, "Ah! the cheerless weather!" If the world's a "vale of tears," Smile till rainbows span it; Breathe the love that life endears — Clear from clouds to fan it. Of your gladness lend a gleam Unto souls that shiver; Show them how dark sorrow's stream Blends with hope's bright river! W\)tn 31'ni a £pan. 41 When I'm a Man. (These recitations must be accompanied by appropriate actions.) ist Boy. When I'm a man, a man, I'll be a farmer if I can — and I can I I'll plough the ground, and the seed I'll sow; I'll reap the grain, and the grass I'll mow; I'll bind the sheaves, and I'll make the hay, And pitch it up on the mow away, — When I'm a man! 2d Boy. When I'm a man, a man, I'll be a carpenter, if I can, — and I can! I'll plane like this, and I'll hammer so. And this is the way the saw shall go, I'll make bird-houses, and sleds, and boats, And a ship that shall race every craft that floats, — When I'm a man! 3d Boy. When I'm a man, a man! A blacksmith I'll be, if I can — and I can! Clang! clang! clang! ' shall my anvil ring; And this is the way the blows I'll swing. I'll shoe your horse, sir, neat and tight, Then I'll trot 'round the square to see if it's right, When I'm a man! 4th Boy. When I'm a man, a man, A mason I'll be, if I can, — and I can! I'll lay a brick this way, and lay one that; Then take my trowel and smooth them flat. Great chimneys I'll make. I think I'll be able To build one as high as the tower of Babel! When I'm a man. 42 primary Speaker* $th Boy. I'll be a shoemaker, if I can, — and I can! I'll sit on a bench, with my last held so: And in and out shall my needles go. I'll sew so strong that my work shall wear! Till nothing is left but my stitches there! When I'm a man! 6th Boy. When I'm a man, a man, A printer I'll be, if I can, — and I can! I'll make nice books, and perhaps you'll see Some of my work in " The Nursery." I'll have the first reading! Oh! won't it be fun To read all the stories before they are done! When I'm a man! jth Boy. When I'm a man, a man, A doctor I'll be, if I can, — and I can! My powders and pills shall be nice and sweet, And you shall have just what you like to eat. I'll prescribe for you riding, and sailing, and such, And 'bove all things, you never must study too much, When I'm a man! Sth Boy. When I'm a man, a man, I'll be a minister, if I can, — and I can! And once in a while a sermon I'll make That can keep little boys and girls awake. For, oh, dear me! if the ministers knew How glad we are when they do get through! When I'm a man! gth Boy. When I'm a man, a man, A teacher I'll be, if I can, — and I can! I'll sing to my scholars, fine stories I'll tell. I'll show them pictures, and, — well, — ah, well, They shall have some lessons, — I s'pose they ought! But, oh, I shall make them so very short! When I'm a man! Wfytn 3|>m a $0m. 43 10th Boy. When I'm a man, a man, I'll be on the School Committee, if I can, — and I can! About once a week I'll go into school And say, " Miss Teacher, I've made a rule That boys and girls need a great deal of play. You may give these children a holiday!" When I'm a man! nth Boy. When I'm a man, a man, I'll be President if I can, — and I can! My uncles and aunts are a jolly set, And I'll have them all in my cabinet! I shall live in the White House. I hope you all, When you hear I'm elected, will give me a call, When I'm a man! All in concert. When we are men, are men, We hope we shall do great things, — Whatever we do, this thing we say, We'll do our work in the very best way. And you shall see, if you know us then, We'll be good, and honest, and useful men. When we are men. Queer Predictions. The child that is born on the Sabbath day Is blithe and bonny, and good and gay; Monday's child is fair of face; Tuesday's child is full of grace; Wednesday's child is merry and glad; Thursday's child is sour and sad; Friday's child is loving and giving; And Saturday's child must work for its living. 44 JprimarE £>peafen% The Funny Small Boy. The room it was hot, Of a far-away school; So the schoolmaster got Fast asleep on his stool, While the scholars were having a frolic, Bereft of all reason and rule. When a ball, badly aimed, Struck the schoolmaster's nose, Which was long and quite famed For its terrible blows ; Then he scowled on those innocent scholars, In a way he could scowl when he chose, "Come hither, my child, Thou art writing, I see;" And the schoolmaster smiled, " Come, now, right on my knee; The up-strokes, you see, are made lightly, The down-strokes are heavy and free." When that small boy was tanned He laughed in great glee; And the teacher so bland, Much astonished was he At the way the boy giggled; He thought, "How can this thing be?" The teacher was beat And deprived of his wind, So he stood on his feet That small boy, who just grinned, And who shook with a mirth that was jolly, And felt of his back which was skinned. ^Innocent Ctjtio ana &>noto4Dt)tte i^ioixier^ 45 "Now tell me, my son, E'er this rod I employ Once again for thy fun, Why this wonderful joy?" "Such a joke," cried the lad, "don't you see, You're whipping — ha, ha — the wrong bo v." — H. C. Dodge. Innocent Child and Snow-white Flower. Innocent child and snow-white flower'. Well are ye paired in your opening hour. Thus should the pure and the lovely meet Stainless with stainless, and sweet with sweet. White as those leaves, just blown apart, Are the folds of thy own young heart ; Guilty passion and cankering care Never have left their traces there. Artless one ! though thou gazest now O'er the white blossom with earnest brow, Soon will it tire thy childish eye; Fair as it is, thou wilt throw it by. Throw it aside in thy weary hour. Throw to the ground the fair white flower; Yet, as thy tender years depart, Keep that white and innocent heart. How it is Done. As'step by step the hill we mount, As one by one we learn to count, So word by word wc learn to spell, And line by line to read quite well, 46 ^rimar^ £>peafcm Beautiful Hands. Such beautiful, beautiful hands! They are neither white nor small, And some, I know, would scarcely think That they were fair at all. I've looked on hands, of form and hue, A sculptor's dream might be, Yet are these aged, wrinkled hands Most beautiful to me. Such beautiful, beautiful hands! When her heart was weary and sad, These patient hands kept toiling on, That the children might be glad. I often mourn when looking back To childhood's distant day, I think these hands were toiling hard When mine were at their play. Such beautiful, beautiful hands! They are growing feeble now, For time and toil have left their mark On heart and hand and brow, Alas! alas! the nearing time, The sad, sad day to me When, 'neath the daisies out of sight, These hands will folded be. But oh! beyond these shadowy lands, Where all is bright and fair, But in the city pure of God, Beneath the tree of life, Beside the stream of water clear, Those hands will surely bear The palms of victory bestowed, Through all the endless years. & 13ab£ kangaroo* 47 A Baby Kangaroo. Queer little baby Kangaroo Has nothing else in the world to do, But, cuddled away, To sleep all day — I should get tired; wouldn't you? And where does the mama Kangaroo Keep her baby the whole day through ? In a queer little nest On her own warm breast — We can hardly believe it; but 't is true. She jumps along* while he is asleep, And eats the grass like a woolly sheep, And, by and by We'll see him try Out of his hiding-place to creep. Late and early, early and late, He's out of sight; but if we wait, This odd little chap We may see, mayhap, For he's growing at a wondrous rate. And now he tries a nibble or two, And wonders how a kangaroo Would really feel If he should steal Quite away from the snug place where he grew. Queer little baby kangaroo! What would he think now, if he knew That, by and by, He would stand so high As almost to frighten himself and you ? — K. B. Foiid. 48 IJDrimari? £>peafcer* The Frogs at School. Twenty froggies went to school, Down beside a rushy pool; Twenty little coats of green, Twenty vests, all white and clean. " We must be in time," said they, " First we study, then we play; That is how we keep the rule When we froggies go to school." Master Bullfrog, grave and stern, Called the classes in their turn, Taught them how to nobly strive, Likewise how to leap and dive, From his seat upon the log, Showed them how to say "Ker-chog;" Also how to dodge a blow From the sticks which bad boys throw. Twenty froggies grew up fast, Bullfrogs they became at last; Not one dunce among the lot, Not one lesson they forgot; Polished in a high degree, As each froggie ought to be; Now they sit on other logs, Teaching other little frogs. November's Party. November gave a party, The leaves by hundreds came, — The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples, And leaves of every name ; The sunshine spread a carpet, And everything was grand; Miss Weather led the dancing, Professor Wind, the band. In concert. ist Girl. Occupations* 49 The Chestnuts came in yellow, The Oaks in crimson drest; The lovely Misses Maple In scarlet looked their best. All balanced to their partners, And gayly fluttered by; The sight was like a rainbow, New fallen from the sky. Then, in the rusty hollows, At hide-and-seek they played; The party closed at sundown, And everybody stayed. Professor Wind played louder. They flew along the ground, And there the party ended In "hands across, all round.'' %%% Occupations. (for five girls.) We are a band of merry school girls, And for us life's just begun ; But we know, from faithful teaching, Life was meant for more than fun. So we all are working, thinking Of the part we are to play — Of the earnest work we'll do, In the busy world some day. Each has chosen her vocation, Each intends to learn it well; Would you like to hear about it ? This is what we come to tell. I shall be a music teacher, In some city far away, I shall try to make my pupils Practice faithfully every day. 50 $artmar£ Speaker* I know that I shall love my work; And through the year to leafy June, I shall spend my time in teaching Scales and chords, and time and tune. 2d Girl. 3d Girl. 4th Girl. $th Girl. I shall be a stenographer, In the time we call "some day"; I will take your letters down In the quickest kind of way. On the type-writer I will print them, In style correct and neat. And almost before you know it Your letter will be complete. I shall be a trained nurse, When I'm old enough to be; And when any of you are sick Perhaps you'll call on me. I'll give you the best of care, And be cheerful day and night; The medicine I'll never forget, The pillows I'll place just right. When I've grown to be a woman, A doctor I mean to be; And all who've any ailment May come and be treated free. I'll do all the good that I can — I'll teach people to keep well; And that is better than curing .the sick, As any of you can tell. In the years that are to come, A teacher I shall be ; And all your dear little ones Please send to school to me. My school-room will be pleasant, The lessons easy, too ; And I will always teach the children To be faithful, good, and true. Wqt Jitttle housekeepers* 51 In concert. And such is our work to be In the coming busy years ; We will be well prepared, And therefore have no fears. Each one of us is eager In the world to do her part, And we'll willingly use the strength Of hands, and brain, and heart. The Little Housekeepers. [Four girls will be needed for this piece. At the places marked with figures all the girls will make the appropriate motions. To do this they must be set to watch one who is washing, etc. The interest of the piece will turn on the motions. Do not hurry over the motion parts; it is not necessary that each should motion just like another.] Busy and happy young housewives are we; Not very big specimens — that you can see — But we've just the same housework of all kinds to do That the big, grown-up housekeepers have to go through. Since Monday is wash-day, all the w T orld round, At the wash-tub on Monday, we're sure to be found. We rub Dolly's clothes till they're pure as the snow, Then we rinse them, and wring them, and hang them up so. On Tuesday the ironing has to be done, So we sprinkle and fold — that's the part that is fun ! And we smooth out the wrinkles with our irons thus, you see, Rubbing backward and forward, till they're smooth as can be. On Wednesday we bake — and oh! 'tis such fun To knead the soft dough — this is how it is done For our cakes, we must have just the finest of dust, Then our pies — this is how we roll out the crust. 52 primary Speaker* On Thursday there's nothing especial to do, So we do odds and ends — darn stockings or sew, But on Friday, with brooms we make the dust fly As we sweep the house o'er, where'er dirt we espy. And at last, when Saturday comes — oh dear! dear I We're busy as any grown folks ever were; We clean, and we scrub, and we brew, and we bake, Then, our week's work all done, Sunday rest we can take. — From the Kitchen gar den, by Emily Huntington. The Sounds of Labor. [As the following is read or recited by one of the pupils, have the curtain rise on a scene representing pupils engaged in as many of the industries as possible that are mentioned in the poem. The carpenter, shoemaker, tailor, type-setter, blacksmith, and others may be represented as earnestly engaged in their work. A very busy and effective scene may be easily produced.] The banging of the hammer, The whirling of the plane, The crashing of the busy saw, The creaking of the crane, The ringing of the anvil, The grating of the drill, The clattering of the turning lathe, The whirling of the mill, The buzzing of the spindle, The rattling of the loom, The puffing of the engine, The blast's continual boom, The clipping of the tailor's shears, The driving of the awl — The clinking of the magic type, The earnest talk of men, The toiling of the giant press, The scratching of the pen, The bustling of the market man As he hies him to the town, The halloo from the tree-top As the ripened fruit comes down, 3flt i^etocr pa^ 53 The busy sound of thrashers As they beat the ripened grain, The husker's joke and catch of glee While gath'ring corn upon the plain, The kind voice of the dairyman, The shepherd's gentle call — These sounds of pleasant industry I love — I love them all. It Never Pays. It never pays to fret and growl When Fortune seems our foe; The better bred will push ahead And strike the braver blow. For luck is work, And those who shirk Should not lament their doom, But yield the play, And clear the way That better men have room. It never pays to wreck the health In drudging after gain, And he is sold who thinks that gold Is cheapest bought wth pain. An humble lot, A cozy cot, Have tempted even kings. For station high, That wealth will buy, Not oft contentment brings. It never pays! a blunt refrain Well worthy of a song, For age and youth must learn this truth, That nothing pays that's wrong. The good and pure Alone are sure 54 ^rtmari? Speaker* To bring prolonged success, While what is right In heaven's sight Is always sure to bless. A November Evening. Rake up the glowing cinders, Pile on the crackling coal; Jack Frost's come with his pincers Straight from the cold north-pole. Hark! how the pelting rain-drops Rattle on roof and pane; Here we are warm and cozy, Proof against wind and rain. Roast-nuts, sweet and tender, Pop-corn, crisp and white, Apples baked in the embers — Jolly good times to-night. — E. L. Benedict. %%% The Four Points. [For four children, ten or twelve years of age; the letters N. E. W. S. in large print are to be marked on cards hung around the neck by a ribbon.] All. We represent the cardinal points, (ist) North, (4th) South, (2 d) East, (3d) and West. From us you gather all the news — see (each names his letter as he points to it) (1st) N, (2d) E, (3d) W, (4th) S. (They turn their faces toward the point mentioned and point the right hand toward it also.) 1st. With hand outstretched I point to North, 2 d. And I will turn to East, tfrtie jfour joints* 55 3d. And I reach out the hand to South, 4th. And I will mark the West. ist. Now each shall take his rightful place — I to the North will go (passing to the northern part of platform). 2d. I to the East (take: his place), (3d) and I to West (steps to west side). 4th. And I will take the South — so (takes his place). North. How cold and bleak this place appears. How chill the wild wind blows. Here the white bear and Polar fox Roam midst eternal snows. Here the huge whale, and soft-skinned seal, Find homes in waters chill. Nor flowers nor fruits perfume the air Of frozen vale and hill. East. Behold the land of rising sun — The far-famed Orient — The land of silks and teas and myrrh, And spices of rare scent. Behold its overflowing towns Of people gentle-eyed, Behold its curious works of art In gorgeous coloring dyed. West. And here's the West — the active West! How shall I sing its praise ? I'll tell you of its gourd-like growth, Towns springing up in days. Here are the wondrous prairies vast The richest soils on earth, 56 jJDrimary Speaker* And in this land of setting sun Freedom has joyous birth. South. This is the lovely, fair South land, How sweet its perfumed breeze, Thy flowering groves, the rich, rare fruits, The forests of tall trees* But in those forests dense and deep, Beasts fierce and cruel roam, While serpents huge and insects dread Call this fair South their home. All {taking their places together again). From the four points we come again, And here together stand, Wishing for North, East, West, and South, God's blessing on each land. The Puzzled Bird-beast* I've a hole in the eaves of the house, And I lie there and play mouse Till the day is almost gone; And then I slip out and fly, — A bird in the evening sky, — And creep in my hole at dawn. Because my feathers are fur, And my wings are of " gossamer," And I cannot titter a note, Some think it is quite absurd That I should pass for a bird, No matter how well I float! The boy shouts: "Here's a bat! Ho, bat, come under my hat!" tfrafemg &im. 57 He tosses it up, and I come; Then he bangs me with a pole, And I wish I was back in my hole, And that boys were blind and dumb! Then Puss comes out of the house, "Ho-ho!" she says; "it's a mouse!" And I show her my teeth, how nice! She stops, she spits, she stares, You could half believe she swears, "Oh, my! I'm shy of such mice! ,, Ah! what is the use of my wings ? The birds disown such things. "No feathers? Oh, what a sham!" And where is the use of my fur ? The mice will never concur. Oh, I wish I knew what I am ! — Geo. S. Burleigh, in Our Little Ones. Taking Aim. There were four little boys Who started to go From the very same spot To make tracks in the snow. Who made his paths straightest, They laid in their plan, Of all the contestants Should be the best man. Now, this little four Were Philip, and John, And merry-faced Harry, And sober-eyed Don; The best friends in the world, And full of invention In play, but they seldom Were found in contention. 58 ^rimarE Speaker* Well, they started together, And traveled along, But John, Don, and Harry, In some way, went wrong; But Phil made his path Nearly straight, and they wondered, When all tried alike, Why they three had blundered. Then Philip replied, "The reason you see: Though no harder I tried To succeed than you three, I pushed for that oak, Going forward quite ready, While you straggled on, Without aim, and unsteady." Now, you see, my dear boys, What such lessons teach — If there is a point That you wish to reach, A position in life At all worth the naming, If you gain it, 'twill greatly Depend on your aiming. — Marie S. Ladd, in Christian Union. My Hands. (With appropriate motions.) Two little hands, so soft and white, This is the left, and this is the right. Five little fingers are found on each, So I can hold a plum or a peach. When I get as big as you, Lots of things these hands will do. {Cake Care of t^e spinutesu 59 Take Care of the Minutes. Take care of the minutes, they are priceless, you know, Will you value them less that so quickly they go ? "It is but a minute/' the trifler will say; But minutes make hours, and hours the day. The gold dust of time are those minutes so small; Will you lose even one ? Why not treasure them all ? As each broken petal disfigures the flower, So each wasted minute despoils the full hour. Take care of the minutes; they come and are gone; Yet in each there is space for some good to be done. Our time is a talent we hold from above f May each hour leave us richer in wisdom and love! Keep Trying. If boys should get discouraged At lessons or at work, And say, " There's no use trying," And all hard tasks should shirk, And keep on shirking, shirking, Till the boy became a man, I wonder what the world would do To carry out its plan. The coward in the conflict Gives up at first defeat; If once repulsed, his courage Lies shattered at his feet. The brave heart wins the battle Because, through thick and thin, He'll not give up as conquered — He fights, and fights to win. 60 primary £>peateer* So, boys, don't get disheartened Because at first you fail; If you but keep on trying, At last you will prevail. Be stubborn against failure; Try! try! and try again; The boys who keep on trying Have made the world's best men. — The Advance. Two Questions. Said tender-hearted Daisy to naughty Pussy Gray, " Suppose I were a fairy, O, tell me, pussy, pray, If you, in fright, were flying from a fierce and hungry foe, Should I my magic wand wave, and make him let you go?" Then Pussy Gray looked very wise And answered yes, with her bright eyes. " Suppose a timid mousie should venture once to peep Outside her quiet doorway, where, seeming fast asleep, Is crouched a crafty pussy, just ready for a spring, Should I my magic wand wave, and to mousie safety bring ? r Then Pussy Gray closed her bright eyes And stupid looked, instead of wise. "O, Pussy Gray," said Daisy; "I'm sure you did not hear Quite all of my last question, or else 'tis very clear That you ignore its lesson, and do not mean to try To do to those around you as you would be done by„ Now, Pussy Gray, don't wink and blink; But tell me truly what you think." — M. T. Rouse. mmm It Is Known. Remember, little boys and girls, Each hour is on its way, Bearing its own report to heaven Of all you do or say. iLittle Dance Crump* 61 Little Dame Crump. Little Dame Crump With her little* hair broom, One morning was sweeping Her little bedroom. When, casting her little Gray eyes on the ground, In a sly little corner A penny she found. "Odds Bobs!" cried the dame While she stared with surprise, " How lucky I am ! Bless my heart, what a prize! "To market I'll go, And a pig I will buy, And little John Gubbins Shall make him a sty." She washed her face clean, And put on her gown, And locked up her house And set off for the town; Where to market she went, And a bargain she made; For a white little pig The penny she paid. So she carried the pig To his nice little sty, And made him a bed Of clean straw, snug and dry. 62 ipriman? Speaker* Pretty is that Pretty Does. The spider wears a plain, brown dress, And she is a steady spinner* To see her, quiet as a mouse, Going about her silver house, You would never, never, never guess The way she gets her dinner! She looks as if no thought of ill In all her life had stirred her, But while she moves with careful tread, And while she spins her silken thread, She is planning, planning, planning still The way to do some murder! My child, who reads this simple lay With eyes down-dropped and tender, Remember the old proverb says, That pretty is which pretty does, And that worth does not go nor stay For poverty nor splendor. 'Tis not the house and not the dress That makes the saint or sinner, To see the spider sit and spin, Shut with her walls of silver in. You would never, never, never guess The way she gets her dinner! Christmas is Coming. "Christmas is coming!" said Annie to, Will As they whispered together in glee, "And what do you think Kris Kringle will bring In his budget for you and me?" "If I had my wish/' said Will, "I would have A store, and sell everything nice; I shouldn't want ribbons and laces, you know; I think I'd keep sugar and spice," ®t)t Grumbler* 63 "And I," said Annie, "would have a fine house, And set it up right by your store; It would be handy to buy things, you see, With a grocer so near to my door." To the play-room early on Christmas morn Both hurried with eager feet, And within they saw the house and the store, With furniture all complete. Then they said in surprise, "Why, these are just right! Kriss Kringle must surely have heard, For how could he guess what we wanted so well ? Perhaps he was told by a bird." The Grumbler. (for three boys.) 1st Boy. His cap was too thick, and his coat was too thin; He couldn't be quiet; he hated a din; He hated to write, and he hated to read; He was certainly very much injured indeed! He must study and toil over work he detested; His parents were strict, and he never was rested. All. He knew he was wretched as wretched could be, There was no one so wretchedly wretched as he. 2d Boy. His farm was too small, and his taxes*too big; He was selfish and lazy, and cross as a pig; His wife was too silly, his children too rude, And just because he was uncommonly good! He hadn't got money enough and to spare; He had nothing at all fit to eat or to wear. AIL He knew he was wretched as wretched could be, There was no one so wretchedly wretched as he. 64 primary ^peafeer* 3d Boy. He finds he has sorrows more deep than his fears; He grumbles to think he has grumbled for years; He grumbles to think he has grumbled away His home and his children, his life's little day; But alas! 'tis too late! it is no use to say That his eyes are too dim, and his hair is too gray. AIL Pie knows he is wretched as wretched can be, There is no one so wretchedly wretched as he. — Dora Read Goodale. Smile Whenever You Can, When things don't go to suit you And the world seems upside down, • Don't waste your time in fretting, But drive away that frown; Since life is oft perplexing, 'Tis much the wisest plan To bear all trials bravely And smile whene'er you can. Why should you dread the morrow, And thus despoil to-day ? For when you borrow trouble You always have to pay. It is a good old maxim, Which should be often preached— Don't cross the bridge before you Until the bridge is reached. You might be spared much sighing If you would keep in mind The thought that good and evil Are always here combined. There must be something wanting, And though you roll in wealth You may miss from your casket That precious jewel — health. £tje !i?oUfca£* 65 And though you're strong and sturdy You may have an empty purse (And earth has many trials Which I consider worse) ; But whether joy or sorrow Fill up your mortal span, 'Twill make your pathway brighter To smile whene'er you can. The Holiday. Hasten to the sunny fields, Weary child of toil; There the gifts that nature yields, Balmy air and soil. Listen to the linnet's song, Joyous all the day; Watch the swallows' mazy throng, Be as glad as they. Climb with me the breezy hill, Wander o'er the down; Linger at the quiet rill, Far from busy town. Rest at noon in leafy wood, Haunt of babbling brook; Read awhile, in pensive mood, Nature's glorious book. Home the gathered wisdom take, Fresh from nature's scroll; Place of sunshine shall it make, Garnered in thy soul. — Slack Davis. 66 primary Speaker. What We Do in the Morning. [This will require five pupils. At the figures i, 2, 3, etc., move- ments should be made. The interest of the piece turns on the acting. Let each one be trained to act prettily and naturally. It can be recited in concert.] In the morning, when we rise, To bathe is our first care; We wash our hands and faces, so, (1) And next we brush our hair. (2) Then when we neat and tidy are, Down stairs we quickly go. "Good-morning, Ma!" " Good-morning, Pa!" (3) We greet our parents, so. We go to breakfast, and we tie Our bibs thus, round our necks; (4) For should we soil our nice clean clothes, (5) Our mother we might vex. We drink our wholesome, fresh, sweet milk, Thus from our mugs you see, (6) We use our knife and fork this way, (7) Cutting so carefully. Our breakfast done, we get our books, (8) And so for school prepare. These things we do, or ought to do, Each morning, with great care. The Months. (for twelve pupils.) i. — When January's here Snow-men appear. 2. — While February's waiting We'll have some skating. 3. — When March comes this way Breezes are at play. jpototjere* 67 4. — During April hours Expect sun-showers. 5. — When May flowers hide Search far and wide! 6. — When the year's at June Half the world's in tune. 7. — While July stays Flies have curious ways. 8. — When August comes Look out for plums. 9. — While September wears Help get in the pears. 10. — WTien October grieves Help bind up the sheaves. 11. — Ere November flies You shall see mince pjes. 12. — When December's knocking Then hang up your stocking. — Mary N. Prescott. Nowhere. Do you know where the summer blooms all the year round, Where there never is rain on a picnic day, Where the thornless rose in its beauty grows, And the little boys never are called from play ? Oh! hey! it is far away, In the wonderful land of Nowhere. Would you like to live where nobody scolds, Where you never are told: "It is time for bed," Where you learn without trying, and laugh without crying, Where snarls never pull when they comb your head ? Then oh! hey! you must hie away To the wonderful land of Nowhere. 68 ]printar£ Speaker* If you long to dwell where you never need wait, Where no one is punished or made to cry, Where a supper of cakes is not followed by aches, And little folks thrive on a diet of pie; Then ho! hey! you must go, I say, To the wonderful land of Nowhere. You must drift down the river of Idle Dreams, Close to the border of No-man's land; For a year and a day you must sail away, And then you will come to an unknown strand. And ho ! hey ! if you get there — stay In the wonderful land of Nowhere. — Ella Wheeler. Off the Line. The boys stood up in the reading class — A dozen or so — and each one said That those at the foot should never pass, Or find it easy to get to the head. There wasn't another boy on the line More anxious than Jimmy to keep his place' For to be at the head was very fine, But to go to the foot was a sad disgrace. But Jim delighted in game of ball, Polo, tennis, or lawn croquet; And his mind was not on his books at all When he took his place in the class that day. 'Twas his turn to read, and he started off With an air attentive — a vain pretense, For the boys around him began to cough, And nudge and chuckle at Jim's expense. "You've skipped a line," whispered generous Ben, Who often had helped in this way before; "You've skipped a line!" shouted Jim, and then Of course the school-room was in a roar. « 31 Can't," 69 As down to the foot Jim went that day, He learned a lesson that any dunce Might have known, for we're sure to stray If we try to be in two places at once. Sport,, when you sport, in an earnest way, With a merry heart and a cheerful face; But when at your books think not of your play, Or else you'll certainly lose your place. — Josephine Pollard, in The Standard. "I Can't." (for two pupils.) Never say, "I can't," my dear; Never say it. When such words as those I hear, From the lips of boy or girl, Oft they make me doubt and fear: Never say it. Boys and girls that nimbly play, Never say it. They can jump and run away, Skip and toss and play their pranks; Even dull ones, when they're gay, Never say it. Never mind how hard the task, Never say it. Find some one who knows, and ask, Till you have your lesson learn'd; Never mind how hard the task; Never say it. 70 ^rimarp Speaker* Men who do the noblest deeds, Never say it. He who lacks the strength he needs, Tries his best and ne'er gives o'er, Surely will at last succeed; Never say it. When good actions call you near, Never say it. Drive away the rising fear, Get your strength where good men do, All your paths will then be clear, And you'll find a happy year; Never say it. But when tempted to do wrong, Always say it. In your virtue, firm and strong, Drive the tempter from your sight, And when follies round you throng, Ever say it. The Cheerful Voice. I love to hear a cheerful voice, Outringing clear and free, As floats the music of the winds Across the sunny sea. The cheerful voice goes hand in hand With happiness and mirth, And at its silver-toned command Joy nestles round each heart. The cheerful voice bespeaks a heart With noble feelings warm; One that will nobly do its part In sunshine or in storm. The music of a cheerful voice Sets aged hearts aglow; The smiles gleam o'er the wrinkled brow Like sunset on the snow. Then let the cheerful voice ring out Upon the balmy air, And let its gladness put to rout The bold intruder — Care. The Squirrel's Lesson. Two little squirrels, out in the sun, One gathered nuts, and the other had none. "Time enough yet/' his constant refrain; "Summer is still only just on the wane." Listen, my child, while I tell you his fate; He roused him at last, but he roused him too late. Down fell the snow from a pitiless cloud, And gave little squirrel a spotless white shroud. Two little boys in a school-room were placed, One always perfect, the other disgraced; "Time enough yet for my learning," he said, "I will climb by and by, from the foot to the head. Listen, my darling; their locks are turned gray; One as a governor sitteth to-day; The other, a pauper, looks out at the door Of the almshouse, and idles his days as of yore. Two kinds of people we meet every day; One is at work, the other at play, Living uncared for, dying unknown — The busiest hive hath ever a drone. 72 primary Speaker* Tell me, my child, if the squirrels have taught The lesson I longed to implant in your thought! Answer me this, and my story is done — Which of the two wculd you be, little one ? — Growing World. Castles in the Air. (for a boy and girl.) " Oh, I shall be a soldier, just as brave as brave can be, And with ten hundred thousand men I'll sail across the sea; I'll fight a thousand battles, and win them every one, And I'll be called the bravest man that lives beneath the sun. And then when I come back again the people will turn out, And all the bands will play for me, and all the men will shout ; And all the ladies in the land will kiss their hands to me. And may be you among the rest — how funny that would be ? But, then, you know I wouldn't see just little you alone; And if I did, I'd only say: ' Why, how the child has grown! ? Because I'd be a soldier then, riding on a horse, I couldn't stop to notice my little girl, of course." " Oh, I shall be a princess then; a fairy prince will come, As Cinderella's did for her, and take me to his home; And then I'll be a haughty queen with jewels in my hair, And dance all night with lords and things, but you will not be there. Or if you should push in the door, I'd only toss my head, And say: 'Why, dearie me, it's time the children were abed! " Watch Him. Bad Thought's a thief! He's wondrous smart; Creeps through the window of the heart; And, if he once his way can win, He lets a hundred robbers in. iLittie ®t)mg$, 73 Little Things. One small stone upon the other, And the highest wall is laid; One wee stitch, and then another, And the largest garment's made. Many tiny drops of water Make the mighty rivers flow ; One short second, then another, And the ages come and go. Place one bit of useful knowledge On another tiny mite, Keep on adding, time will make them Shine with wisdom's burning light. Each small act of perseverance Nerves you to some greater deed; From one little grain of forethought Often grand results proceed. If you want to be a hero, On the battle-field of life, Do not scorn the humblest vict'ry, For 'twill aid you in the strife. Little acts of care and patience Grow to giants in the fight; They will nerve your soul to conquer, And will win you laurels bright. — Kate Clyde. Song of the Brown Thrush. So the merry brown thrush sings away in the tree To you and to me, to you and to me; And he sings all the day, little girl, little boy: " Oh, the world's running over with joy! But long it won't be — Don't you know ? don't you see ? Unless we are as good as can be!" — Lucy Larcom. 74 JSriman? £>peator* Let it Pass. (for five pupils.) [Let all the school join in a chorus on the "Let it pass."] Be not swift to take offense; Anger is a foe to sense; Brood not darkly o'er a wrong That will disappear ere long; Rather sing this cheery song: Let it pass! Let it pass! Strife corrodes the purest mind! As the unregarded wind, Any vulgar souls that live May condemn without reprieve; 'Tis the noble who forgive. Let it pass! Let it pass! Echo not an angry word; Think how often you have erred; Since our joys must pass away, Like the dew-drops on the spray, Wherefore should our sorrows stay? Let it pass! Let it pass! If for good you're taken ill, Oh! be kind and gentle still; Time at last makes all things straight! Let us not resent, but wait, And our triumph shall be great; Let it pass! Let it pass! Bid your anger to depart, Lay these homely words to heart, Follow not the giddy throng; Better to be wronged than wrong: Therefore sing the cheery song, Let it pass ! Let it pass ! & Woy'$ plea. 75 A Boy's Plea. They say that boys Make all the noise, And that the girls are quiet; If girls were boys, I know their joys Would onlv be in riot. I know we oft, When mud is soft, Forget to use the door-mats; We go "all fours, " We slam the doors. We use our hats like brick-bats. Perhaps we may, Some sunny day, Attempt to tease the girls, To eat their cake, And faces make, Or pull their dangling curls. But then you know, When we do so, It's only just in fun, For when we will We can be still, As almost any one. But let them say Whate'er they may About our dreadful noise, For errands done, Some one to run, They're glad to find the boys. j6 ^rtman? speaker* The Little Maid for Me. I know a little maiden Whom I always see arrayed in Silks and ribbons; but she is a spoiled and petted little elf; For she never helps her mother, or her sister, or her brother, But, forgetting all around her, lives entirely for herself. So she simpers, and she sighs, And she mopes, and she cries, And knows not where the happy hours flee. Now let me tell you privately, my darling little friends, She's as miserable as miserable can be, And I fear she's not the little maid for me. But I know another maiden, Whom I've often seen arrayed in Silks and ribbons, but not always; she's a prudent little elf; And she always helps her mother, and her sister, and her brother, And lives for all around her, quite regardless of herself. So she laughs and she sings, And the hours on happy wings, Shower gladness round her pathway as they flee, Now need I tell you privately, my darling little friends, She's as happy as a little maid can be — This is surely just the little maid for me. — A. L. Smith. All for the Best. All's for the best; be sanguine and cheerful, Trouble and sorrow are friends in disguise; Nothing but folly goes faithless and fearful, Courage forever is happy and wise. All's for the best; then fling away terrors, Meet all your fears and your foes in the van; And in the midst of your dangers or errors, Trust like a child, while you strive like a man. $?ouse fuming* 77 House Hunting. A row of ragged sparrows, a-sitting in the sun; They were thinking about summer and sunshine, every one; They were talking, too, As sparrows do, About the wintry weather, And much was said By each wise head, Of the hard times, and whether Right here, with hens and pigeons, they all had better stay, Or hunt more stylish quarters, and move themselves away. They chattered, and they chattered, until the day was done; The old ones were for staying, the young ones, every one, Could not abide With any pride Such miserable living; So finally, From roof and tree, With never a misgiving, They flew away, these grumblers, where they "could live alone;" They knew " a dwelling might be found where pigeons were unknown.' ' Not many days thereafter — 'twas on a cold March morn, They came a flying, flying back, most wretched and forlorn ; They suffered — oh! What bird could know Such peril and privation ? Cats here and there, Guns everywhere, Nothing but sore vexation; And now the plain old home-life — the hens and pigeons- well. The moral of my story I do not need to tell. — Treasure-Trove. j8 primary £>peafeer* Over and Over Again. Over and over again, No matter which way I turn, I always find in the book of life Some lesson I have to learn. I must take my turn at the mill; I must grind out the golden grain; I must work at my task with a resolute will Over and over again. Over and over again, The brook in the meadows flows And over and over again The pondrous mill-wheel goes. Once doing will not suffice, Though doing be not in vain; And a blessing failing us once or twice May come if we try again. — The Golden Argosy. Circus Day. (BY ANNIE H. STREATER, BUFFALO, N. Y.) The city was all excitement; For a circus had chanced that way, And men and women, boys and girls Were out for a holiday. The gay parade, with its pompous show, Came slowly moving along; And gazing with wonder and great delight Stood a strangely curious throng. Circus EDay* 79 Old men were there, old women, too, Middle-aged folks, large and small; Mamas were there with their little ones, Who wouldn't have come at all, If it hadn't been for their babies dear That wanted so much to see The panthers and tigers and elephants, And the wonderful chimpanzee. But the circus day was a school-day, too, A great misfortune, I know; For the scholars were bound to keep their stand And watch for the great Jumbo. The boys declared that the lessons w T ould keep ? While the sight would last but a day; So they stood on the corner and watch'd the show Till the last van passed away. But Jumbo was missing. He staid in his tent, And the boys were sorry indeed; They hurried back to their waiting tasks With much indignant speed. The master kindly talked to them all, And said, " 'Tis a sorrow, I know; But maybe 'twill help to teach you, boys, A little about life's show. " Much will be missed that we're looking for, Disappointments may come every day; Let us make up our minds to march bravely on, Let us not stop to fret by the way." So primary Speaker, The Little Peddler. I was busily sewing one bright summer day, And thought little Chatterbox busy at play, When a sunshiny head peeped into my room, And a merry voice called: " Buy a broom ? buy a broom ? ' "No; not any to-day, sir," I soberly said; But soon the door opened: "Pins, needles and thread, Combs, brushes ? My basket is piled up so high ! If you only will look, ma'am, I'm sure you will buy." Again I refused him; but soon he came back, This time bending o'er with an odd-looking pack: "Ribbons, collars, and handkerchiefs, cheap as can be; They came in my big ship from over the sea." " Hard times, sir," I answered; "no money to spare To sell your fine things you must travel elsewhere." His roguish eyes twinkled as, closing the door, He departed but came in a minute or more — Right under the window, the sly little fox! Crying: "Strawberries, strawberries; ten cents a box!" I resolved to reward such persistence as this, So I bought all he had, and for pay gave a kiss. The Little Bird. The little bird's home is the sky, Or the ground, or a nest in the tree. The little child some day will fly From his door-step, new regions to see. Bird-like and free May his sunny flight be! And wherever on earth he may go, May his footsteps be whiter than snow! — Lucy Larcom. Wqt tETtjrce iiittle Bugs. 81 The Three Little Bugs. Three little bugs in a basket, And hardly room for two, And one was yellow, and one was black, And one like me, or you — The space was small, no doubt, for all, But what should three bugs do ? Three little bugs in a basket, And hardly crumbs for two, And all were selfish in their hearts, The same as I or you, So the strong ones said, "We'll eat the crumbs, And that's what we will do." Three little bugs in a basket, And the beds but two would hold ; So they all three fell to quarreling, The white, the black, and the gold, And two of the bugs got under the rugs, And one was out in the cold! So he that was left in the basket, Without a crumb to chew, Or a thread to wrap himself withal, When the winds across him blew, Pulled one of the rugs from off the bugs, And so the quarrel grew. And so there were none in the basket — Ah! pity 'tis, 'tis true! But he that was frozen and starved, at last A strength from his weakness drew, And pulled the rugs from both the bugs, And killed and ate them, too. 82 primary Speaker* Now, when bugs live in a basket, Though more than it can hold, It seems to me they had better agree, The white, the black, and the gold, And share what comes of beds and crumbs, And leave no bug in the cold. — Sangs and Rhymes for the Little Ones, Little Mischief. My name is Little Mischief; We's staying by the sea, My papa and my mama, My sister Flo and me. We's going to have a party At the grand hotel to-night, And nurse has got me ready; My dress is pink and white. My darling mama's sleeping, I wish her nap was froo, For Flo has gone out driving, And I don't know what to do. I mustn't put my hat on, 'Twould spoil my bangs, I s'pose; I fink it's very drefful To have on spoiling clothes. I's getting very restless, I guess, now, just for fun, I'll take my baby dolly, And have a little run. — Annie H. Streater. <&oin% to g>ct)ooL 83 Going to School. With cap, and book, and basket, The little children go; The bridge is high and stately — They cross the stream below, Then wait to toss a pebble, And watch the circles wide, Spreading, and gliding slowly, Far to the other side. Sometimes they pluck a flower, Or, in some wayside spring, They bathe their heated foreheads, And laugh, and shout, and sing: One climbs a little hillock, Where others cannot go, And looks with pride and pleasure Upon the group below. Ah! children — little children — Upon Time's rapid tide, Know you that acts, like pebbles, Will make a circle wide ? Then heed ye, little children, And weigh each action well; The good or ill accomplished, Some coming year will tell. When manhood comes to claim you, Beneath the burning noon, Then pluck some wayside flower, Though it may wither soon; And when you sigh — and vainly — For Lethe's fabled stream, Know there are purer waters; Search — ye shall see them gleam. 84 primary Speaker* And if one standeth proudly Upon the height of fame, Look kindly on the brother That hath no sounding name; • Hold out a hand to aid him; Follow the Golden Rule; Remember that in childhood He was a friend at school. The Trusty Boy. " Who knows a boy, a trusty boy, A live lad — not a dunce — Whom I with safety may employ?" Said gallant Sherman, once. Stepped forth a brave old soldier then — His beard and hair were white; "There's wide-awake and bright-eyed Ben, Quick, trusty, sharp of sight— "A poor, sick widow's only joy; He bears his father's name." " Send for him!" So the widow's boy To Sherman's quarters came. "My little man, I've work for you, You're trusty, I've been told, The pay shall be, if this you do, Both honor and bright gold I" A packet in his hands was laid, Instructions quickly given; "Be off," the busy general said, "And back here, sharp, by 'leven!" Then forth sped lively, little Ben, Intent, alert, and spry, " I may not reach the post, but then I can most bravely try!" So, on and on, with wary eye, Along the Rapidan, Tho' black clouds swept across the sky, With lightest tread he ran. By leaping bog and bush and rail, A sorry garb he wore, When, back again, both tired and pale, He stood at Sherman's door. "Well done! well done! my trusty boy! The mission's safely o'er; You are indeed a noble boy- God bless you evermore!" And speaking thus, the general wrote, A bright smile on his brow; Then said, " You'll bear this little note To your good mother now." And when she glanced that missive o'er, Her eyes did quickly fill ; She murmured, " God be praised once more — He feeds the needy still." Now, boys, like Benny, strive to win; Be trusty, brave of heart! No room give idleness or sin, Act well in life your part. — Geo. B. Griffith. 86 primary Speaker* To-day. So, here hath been dawning Another blue day; Think, wilt thou let it Slip useless away? Out of Eternity This new day is born, Into Eternity At night will return. Behold it aforetime No eye ever did, So soon it forever From all eyes is hid. Here hath been dawning Another blue day; Think, wilt thou let it Slip useless away ? — Thomas Carlyle. Life. Life! I know not what thou art, But know that thou and I must part. And when, or where, or how we meet, I own to me is a secret yet. Life ! we have been long together, Through pleasant and through cloudy weather; 'Tis hard to part when friends are dear — Perhaps 'twill cost a sigh, a tear. Then steal away, give little warning, Choose thine own time ; Say not " Good Night;" but, in some brighter clime, Bid me " Good Morning.' ' — Anna L^titia Barbauld. W$t Beautiful JUnD of jlioD* 87 The Beautiful Land of Nod. Come, cuddle your head on my shoulder, dear, Your head like the golden-rod, And we will go sailing away from here To the beautiful Land of Nod. Away from life's worry and hurry and flurry, Away from earth's shadows and gloom, We will float off together to a world of fair weather Where blossoms are always in bloom. Just shut up your eyes and fold your hands — Your hands like the leaves of a rose — And we will go sailing to those fair lands That never an atlas shows. . On the north and the west they are bounded by rest, On the south and the east by dreams. 'Tis the country ideal where nothing is real, But everything only seems, Just drop down the curtain of your dear eyes — Your eyes like the bright blue-bell — And we will sail out under star-lit skies To the land where the fairies dwell. Down the river of sleep our bark shall sweep Till it reaches that magical isle Which no man has seen, but where all have been, And then we will pause awhile. I will croon you a song as we float along To that shore that is blessed of God. Then, ho ! for that fair land, we're off for that rare land, The beautiful Land of Nod! — Ella Wheeler, in Harper's Young People, 88 JBrtmarE speaker. They Didn't Think. (for four pupils.) Once a trap was baited With a piece of cheese; It tickled so a little mouse It almost made him sneeze. An old rat said, " There's danger — Be careful where you go!" "Nonsense!" said the other, "I don't think you know": So he walked in boldly; Nobody in sight : First he took a nibble, Then he took a bite. Close the trap together Snapped as quick as wink, Catching mousey fast there 'Cause he didn't think. Once a little turkey, Fond of her own way, Wouldn't ask the old ones Where to go or stay. She said, "I'm not a baby — Here I am half grown; Surely I am big enough To run around alone I" Off she went; but somebody, Hiding, saw her pass ; Soon, like snow, her feathers Covered all the grass; So she made a supper For a sly young mink, 'Cause she was so headstrong That she wouldn't think. WW SDttm't tEtjinfe* 89 Once there was a robin Lived oustide the door, Who wanted to go inside And hop upon the floor. "No, no," said the mother, "You must stay with me; Little birds are safest Sitting in a tree!" "I don't care," said robin, And gave his tail a fling, "I don't think the old folks Know quite everything." Down he flew, and Kitty seized him Before he'd time to think, "Oh!" he cried, "I'm sorry, But I didn't think." Now, my little children, You who read this song, Don't you see what trouble Comes of thinking wrong ? Can't you take a warning From their dreadful fate, Who began their thinking When it was too late ? Don't think there's always safety, Don't suppose you know more Than anybody knows Who has gone before. But when you're warned of ruin, Pause upon the brink, And don't go under headlong, 'Cause you didn't think. — Phoebe Cary. 90 }prtman? Speaker* Little by Little. One step, and then another, And the longest walk is ended; One stitch, and then another, And the largest rent is mended; One brick upon another, And the highest wall is made; One flake upon another, And the deepest snow is laid. So the little coral workers, By their slow and constant motion Have built up pretty islands In the distant dark blue ocean; And the nobler undertakings Man's wisdom hath conceived, By oft-repeated efforts Have been patiently achieved. Then do not look disheartened O'er the work you have to do, And say that such a mighty task You never can get through, But just endeavor day by day Another point to gain, And soon the mountain that you feared Will prove to be a plain. " Rome was not builded in a day," The ancient proverb teaches; And nature by her trees and flowers, The same sweet sermon preaches. Think not of far-off duties, But of duties which are near, And having once begun to work, Resolve to persevere. & li5o£'g 2T>ream* 91 A Boy's Dream. Oh what fun to live forever In a country running o'er With fig-paste, jujube and taffy, Caramels a countless store. Where fresh gum-drops would keep falling Just like snowflakes from the sky; While the lemon, mint, and cream sticks, Well — just everywhere should lie! Where those candied fruits so lovely, That they'll never let us eat; Cakes of cocoanut and raisins, O, so luscious and so sweet; With whole lots of figs and citron, Should lie scattered all around; While nuts, dates, and sugar-almonds, Cover every inch of ground! " What a country for the youngsters," Said grandmama with a smile, " Like the little grunting piggies, They'd be stuffing all the while. u Over all those heaps of goodies Such a jubilee they'd make; Every day a glorious feasting, Every night a stomach-ache!" — Ruth Argyle. 92 J0riman> Speaker* The Rainbow. [Eight pupils will be needed for this. Draw lightly beforehand on the board, with white chalk, the outlines of a rainbow, dividing it into seven parallel bands to be filled with colored chalk by the children. They will make a wide, soft mark by using the side of the chalk instead of the end; each one will carry the piece of chalk he is to use. Let them stand in a semicircle near the board whil£ they repeat their parts.] Red. The gem for me is the ruby red, A rich clear light doth it always shed ; The diamond's beauty is noised abroad; But the ruby is first in the promise of God. {Steps to the board and draws the red band in the bow.) Orange. The bright sardonyx stone will show The second color of the row, In the wondrous promise bow. Yellow. "With light's own smile the yellow burns," The poet says, and here I place It where the orange into yellow turns. Green. In the clover of the meadow And the leaves upon the tree, The ever-pleasing color Of the emerald you see. Blue. O blue are the skies on a clear summer day And blue are the fairest of flowers, And blue is the turquois, the jewel of truth, That shines in this promise of ours. Wtyz ©otce of ttie ®m. 93 Indigo. A deeper blue is the sapphire's hue, And richer this beautiful gem; On heads of might it has shed its light, From many a diadem. Violet. We've shown six colors of the bow, Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and indigo; The color of the amethyst, The violet, now completes the list. The Covenant. (Another pupil reads or repeats the 13th, 14th, 15/^, and 16th verses of the ninth chapter of Genesis.) The Voice of the Tree. This is the story that they tell — I do not know the spot — Where round and round a lofty tree A gourd climbed to the top. He tossed his foolish head with pride To find himself so tall, And to the monarch by his side Thus insolent did call — "What age art thou, my friend?" he cries. The stately palm-tree hears ; In tones majestic, " Sir," replies, "I am a hundred years." "A hundred years! O, sluggard thou!" The gourd cries in amaze — " Why, I have grown as tall, I vow, In just as many days." 94 IJDrtman? Speaker* " Each summer sees a gourdling wind Around me, then decay; Thy growth's been quick and like thy kind As quick thou'lt pass away." The Sun-beam. If I were a sunbeam, I know what I'd do; I would seek white lilies Rainy woodlands through. I would steal among them, Softest light I'd shed, Until every lily Raised its drooping head. If I were a sunbeam, I know where I'd go; Into lowliest hovels, Dark with want and woe; Till sad hearts looked upward, I would shine and shine; Then they'd think of Heaven, Their sweet home, and mine. Art thou not a sunbeam, Child, whose life is glad With an inner radiance Sunshine never had? O, as God has blessed thee, Scatter rays divine ! For there is no sunbeam But must die or shine. —Lucy Larcom. ypu$fy Cloben 95 Pussy Clover. Pussy-Clover's running wild, Here and there and anywhere, Like a little vagrant child, Free of everybody's care. Lady-Rose is shy and proud; Maiden-Lily bashful-sweet ; Pussy-Clover loves a crowd, — Seeks the paths of hurrying feet. Like all faithful, homely things, Pussy- Clover lingers on Till the bird no longer sings, And the butterfly is gone. When the latest Asters go, When the Golden-rod drops dead, Then, at last, in heaps of snow, Pussy-Clover hides her head. — Lucy Larcom. Be Kind to the Birds. Don't rob the birds of their eggs, boys, It is cruel and heartless and wrong; And remember, by breaking an egg, boys, We may lose a bird with a song. When careworn, weary, and lonely, Some day as you're passing along, You'll rejoice that the egg wasn't broken, That gave you the bird with its song. — Christian Weekly. 96 primer? Speaker* Summer in the Country. Ho! for the hills in summer! Ho! for the rocky shade, Where the ground-pine trails under the fern leaves Deep in the mossy glade. Up in the dewy sunrise; Waked by the robin's trill; Up and away, a-berrying, To the pastures on the hill! Swinging on a birch tree To a sleepy tune, Hummed by all the breezes In the month of June! Little leaves a-flutter Sound like dancing drops Of a brook on pebbles, — Song that never stops. The Coming Rulers. O, boys who work, with hand or brain, Be mindful what you do; The nation's gain — Her joy or pain, Will soon depend on you! For men who rule the world to-day — Be they the false or true — Must yield their sway, And pass away, And leave their trust to you. — Farm and Home. tytyt i&ttouiet* 97 The Rivulet. Run, little rivulet, run! Summer is fairly begun, B ear to the meadow the hymn of the pines, And the echo that rings where the waterfall shines. Run, little rivulet, run! Run, little rivulet, run! Sing to the fields of the sun, That wavers in emerald, shimmers in gold, Where you glide from your rocky ravine, crystal cold; Run, little rivulet, run! Run, little rivulet, run! Stay not till summer is done! Carry the city the mountain bird's glee; Carry the joy of the hills to the sea; Run, little rivulet, run! Gentle Words. Have you ever watched a rill Trickling down Through a crevice of the hill Bare and brown,— Trickling, trickling, trickling bright, Day and night ? Though it fall so soft and sweet On the hard rock at your feet You will find a hollow there; It has worn the rock away. Gentle words fall thus, they say. 98 J0rimajn? £>peateet\ Paddle Your Own Canoe. Up this world and down this world, And over this world and through, Though drifted about And tossed without, Why, "paddle your own canoe." What though the sky is heavy with clouds, Or shining a field of blue, If the bleak wind blows, Or the sunshine glowc, Still "paddle your own canoe." What if breakers rise up ahead, With dark waves rushing through, Move steadily by, With downcast eye, And "paddle your own canoe." Never give up when trials come, Never grow sad and blue; Never sit down With a fear or a frown, But "paddle your own canoe." The Robin. Robin, Sir Robin, gay, red-vested knight, Now you have come to us, summer's in sight. You never dream of the wonders you bring, — Visions that follow the flash of your wing. How all the beautiful by-and-by Around you and after you seems to fly; Sing on or eat on, as pleases your mind! Well have you earned every morsel you find. — Lucy Larcom. &>omt Mttlt Units. 99 Some Little Rules, Some little rules that are good to know: Shall I give them you ? Get up with the sun, Break your fast ; your lessons review ; What is well begun is almost done. When you enter your class in your dress so neat, With your hair well brushed and your hands quite clean, Turn to your teacher and sweetly greet — She'll think you a courteous child, I ween. And sit in your seat like a quiet young mouse, With your eyes as bright and your ears as quick; Not stiff as a poker, nor straight as a house, But ready to notice and swift to pick, Every golden word which the teacher lets fall, Every bit of knowledge to you unknown, In obedience prompt to her orders all, And never the work of the hour postpone. The Coming Spring. Buttercups and daisies, Oh, the pretty flowers! Coming, ere the spring time, To tell of sunny hours. While the trees are leafless, While the fields are bare, Buttercups and daisies Spring up everywhere. —Mary Howitt. LofC. i oo primary speaker* Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson. (for six pupils.) WHAT IS NICE. i. It is very nice to think The world is full of meat and drink, With little children saying grace In every Christian kind of place. HAPPY CHILDREN. 2. Happy hearts, and happy faces, Happy play in grassy places — That was how, in ancient ages, Children grew to kings and sages. WHO ARE HATED. 3. Cruel children, naughty babies, All grow up as geese and gabies; Hated, as their age increases, By their nephews and their nieces. THE SLEEPLESS SUN. 4. The sun is not a-bed, when I At night upon my pillow lie; Still round the earth his way he takes, And morning after morning makes. While here, at home, in shining day, We round the sunny garden play, Each little Indian sleepy-head Is being kissed and put to bed. And when at eve I rise from tea, Day dawns beyond the Atlantic sea; And all the children in tjie west Are getting up and being dressed. ©erses b£ Hobert £.outg £>tetoenson* 101 MY BED IS A BOAT. My bed is like a little boat; Nurse helps me in when I embark; She girds me in my sailor's coat, And starts me in the dark. At night I go on board, and say Good-night to all my friends on shore; I shut my eyes and sail away, And see and hear no more. All night across the dark we, steer; But when the day returns at last, Safe in my room, beside the pier, I find my vessel fast. WHO LOVE THE MOON. The moon has a face like the clock in the hall; She shines on thieves on the garden wall, On streets, and fields, and harbor quays, And birdies asleep in the forks of the trees. The squalling cat, and the squealing mouse, The howling dog by the door of the house> The bat that lies in bed at noon, All love to be out by the light of the moon. But all of the things that belong to the day Cuddle to sleep, to be out of her way; And flowers and children close their eyes, Till up in the morning the sun shall rise. io2 tytiimty &ptBktt. Evening Thoughts. How beautiful the setting sun! The clouds, how bright and gay! The stars, appearing one by one, How beautiful are they! And when the moon climbs up the sky, And sheds her gentle light, And hangs her crystal lamp on high, How beautiful is night! And can it be I am possessed Of something brighter far ? Glows there a light within this breast Outshining every star ? Yes ; should the sun and stars turn pale, The mountains melt away, This soul within shall never fail, But live in endless day. This is the soul that God has given; Sin may its lustre dim. While goodness bears it up to heaven, And leads it back to Him. — Mrs. Follen. The Flower Girl. I'm going to the garden Where summer roses blow; I'll make me a little sister Of all the flowers that grow. I'll make her body of lilies, Because they are soft and whitt I'll make her eyes of violets With dew-drops shining bright. W$t jflotoer <&ith 103 I'll make her lips of rose-buds, Her cheeks of rose-leaves red, Her hair of silky corn-tops All braided 'round her head. With apple-tree and pear leaves I'll make her a lovely gown, With rows of golden buttercups For buttons up and down. I'll dance with my little sister Away to the river strand, Away across the water — Away into Fairy-land. — St. Nicholas. QUEST ION B OOKS, ANALYTICAL QUESTION SERIES. 3 Vols. l.-GEOGRAPHY. 2.-U. S. HISTORY. 3.-GRAMMAR. The best single study question books published. Each is complete with answers. Their points of superiority are i (a) The questionsare carefully graded, (b) They are arranged by topics and are analyzed into groups often questions. x 13 inches. It contains the methods of the most successful schools told by teachers who have used them. Everything written expressly for it. 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