A lady who lived in New York City owned a pet parrot and a large house cat.  The parrot was just as full of mischief as could be.  One day the cat and parrot had a quarrel.  I think the cat had upset Polly’s food, or something of that kind.  However, they seemed all right again.  An hour or so after Polly was on her stand, she called out in a tone of extreme affection, “Pussy!  Pussy! come here, Pussy.”  Pussy went and looked up innocently enough; Polly with her beak seized her tin of food and tipped its contents all over the cat, and then chuckled as poor Puss ran away half frightened to death.

BABY.

    Who is it coos just like a dove? 
    Who is it that we dearly love—­
    The brightest blessing from above? 
          Our baby.

    While silent watch the angels keep,
    Who smiles so sweetly in his sleep,
    And oft displays his dimples deep. 
          Our baby.

[Illustration:  Polly playing off A Trick on puss.]

THE CAPTAIN’S DAUGHTER.

    We were crowded in the cabin,
      Not a soul would dare to sleep,—­
    It was midnight on the waters,
    And a storm was on the deep.

    ’Tis a fearful thing in winter
      To be shattered by the blast,
    And to hear the rattling trumpet
      Thunder, “Cut away the mast!”

    So we shuddered there in silence,—­
      For the stoutest held his breath,
    While the hungry sea was roaring,
      And the breakers talked with Death.

    And as thus we sat in darkness,
      Each one busy with his prayers,
    “We are lost!” the Captain shouted,
      As he staggered down the stairs.

    But his little daughter whispered,
      As she took his icy hand,
    “Isn’t God upon the ocean,
      Just the same as on the land?”

    Then we kissed the little maiden,
    And we spoke in better cheer,
    And we anchored safe in harbor
      When the morn was smiling clear.

J. T. FIELDS

[Illustration:  Shipwreck on the Auckland islands.]

FUN FOR THE KITTENS.

    Our cat she had five little ones,
      As every person knew;
    Their names were “Flossie,” “Snowball,” “Smut,”
      With “Kit,” and little “Mew.”

    One day on foraging intent,
      She leaped upon a cage,
    But after sniffing round a while
      Vexed thoughts her mind engage.

    “How very sad it is,” thought she,
      “That every single linnet
    Has been removed before we came! 
      The cage has nothing in it!

    “However, I have dined to-day,
      So now for quiet rest;
    My children, you may go and play,
      For frolic suits you best.”