Dear baby! too often we elders,
  Like you, break our hearts without need,
And see not the Hand that provides us
  Our food in sweet harvests and seed.

If a check ever lessens our plenty,
  And wasted our crops ever lie,
Then, forgetful of all our past blessings,
  How hastily rises our cry!

Ah! dry we our blinding tears, baby,
  Look up to our Father above,
And patiently wait till he fills us
  Our cups in His mercy and love.

[Illustration]

[Illustration:  E]

Twined by Evergreens. 
They never fade.

[Illustration:  F]

Found in Fern-leaves,
Which grow in the shade.

[Illustration:  G]

Is a Grape-vine,
Bearing some fruit.

[Illustration:  H]

Holds a Holly bush
Plucked by the root.

[Illustration]

Dance, doggie, dance.

  Now, Fido, I have dressed you up
    In cap, and coat, and cape;
  No, no, indeed my little friend,
    You cannot yet escape! 
  Papa has seen a foreign dog
    Dressed up like you in France,
  And says that little poodle pup
    Was quickly taught to dance.

  Come, Fido, now you must be good,
    I will not hurt you there;
  Now stand upon your hinder-legs
    And lift them in the air. 
  Listen—­I will hum the tune
    And you must dance with me;
  I want both paws, sir, if you please. 
    Come, Fido—­one, two, three!

  “Good doggie! as I’ve taught you that—­
    Oh dear! he’s run away. 
  The naughty dog! he sees a cat. 
    Come here, sir!  Fido, stay! 
  There now, he’s off and won’t come back;
    We’ll dance no more to-day;
  And Fido’s got my dress and cape—­
Oh! what will mother say?”

[Illustration]

The organ-boy.

The children are fond of a merry tune, so they have given the organ-boy a penny to play.  The babies stare at the organ, as though they thought it a very funny box to make such a noise.  One little child, with a doll in her arms, is giving a piece of bread to the monkey, but he looks as if he suspected it was a trick.  The boy has a cloth over his organ, to protect it when it rains.  I do not like to see monkeys led about in this way.  I think it is cruel, and must cause them much suffering, especially if they have a cruel master.  But I think this little boy will be kind to his little companion, and not twist and throw it about as some of the men do.  Monkeys are very amusing, after they go through a short training, and will do all manner of tricks for their master.

[Illustration]

[Illustration:  I]

Is an Ivy vine,
It clings where it grows.

[Illustration:  J]

Is a Jessamine,
Most fragrant it blows.

[Illustration:  K]

The rich Kidney bean,
Nutritious for food.