The Nursery, No. 169, January, 1881, Vol. XXIX | Page 3

held up his gun. But
very soon he began to get tired of them all. The thought came into his
head that he was more than eight years old. "What do I want of these
toys?" said he. "Why was I so silly as to choose them, when aunt Susan
would have given me a microscope?" And John laid down his sword
and gun, feeling quite above such childish things.
When aunt Susan came, she saw that John did not seem as glad over his
presents as the rest of the children did over theirs. "What is the matter,
John?" she asked. "Why are you not playing with your toys?"
"Aunt Susan," said John, "I wish I had taken the microscope. Is it too
late?"
"No, John. I thought you might repent your choice, so I said to Mr.
Grover, who keeps the toy-shop, 'I think I shall want to change the
microscope: can I do so?' He said, 'Yes.' His shop will be open till
eleven o'clock. So run round and get the microscope, and tell him to

send to-morrow and take back the toys."
In five seconds John had on his hat, and was running down the street to
Mr. Grover's. He came back with the microscope in about half an hour,
and was full of joy at the change. A merry Christmas it was then for all
the children!
UNCLE CHARLES.
* * * * *
[Illustration: Baby's quiet family]

BABY'S QUIET FAMILY.
Whenever I walk With my children three, I laugh and I talk For the
whole family.
There's Ruth (her arm's broken!) And Jane and Annette, They never
have spoken Or laughed even, yet;
But I know when they're glad,-- Mothers always can tell,-- And I'm sad
when they're sad, For I love them so well!
Whenever we walk, Though they're still as can be, I can easily talk
Quite enough for the three.
W.G.

BABY AND THE BIRD.
[Illustration: BABY AND THE BIRD.]
Baby is looking out of the window. Jane is holding him up so that he
will not fall out. What does he see that makes him jump up and down
with joy?

He sees a dear little bird. It has come for its daily meal of seed and
crumbs. It is not afraid of baby? Why should it be? How could any bird
be afraid of such a dear child?
When the bird has had its dinner, I think it will sing.
A.B.C.

[Illustration: Chapter header]
A NEW YEAR'S DIALOGUE.
HARRY.
Loud from the north the wild wind blows; It sweeps the blue sky clear,
And parts, amid the drifting snows, The path of the New Year; The
glad New Year that always brings So many bright delightful things,
Gay holidays and merry plays, And loving wishes from our friends. A
"Happy New Year" let us make, And keep it "happy" till it ends. By
trying every day to see What good, good children we can be.
KATE.
Last year, when any thing went wrong, I used to fret the whole day
long, And sometimes sob and cry aloud, Dark-looking as a
thunder-cloud; But, even in a gloomy place, I now must keep a sunny
face; For, all this year, I mean to see How bright and cheerful I can be.
MARY.
Last year, the flitting butterfly Was not so idle as was I; I liked my
sports and frolic well, But would not learn to read and spell: Now I
must change my ways at once, Or I shall surely be a dunce. This glad
New Year that has begun, Must leave me wiser when 'tis done.
JAMES.

Last year, my temper was so quick, My angry words came fast and
thick, And brother Tom I'd scold and strike When he did what I did not
like. I am so sorry! Loving words Are sweeter than the song of birds;
And, all this year, I mean to see If I a gentle child can be.
ALL. (Four or more.)
The past is past; the year is new: We will be patient, brave, and true;
When we are bidden, quick to mind; Unselfish, courteous, and kind;
And try in every place to see What good, good children we can be.
MARIAN DOUGLAS.
[Illustration: Tail piece]

[Illustration: Chapter header]
THE SHEEP FOLLOW THE SHEPHERD.
The tenth chapter of St. John says, "He calleth his own sheep by name,
and leadeth them out. He goeth before them, and the sheep follow him;
for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will
flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers."
But may it not be the form or dress of the shepherd that the sheep know,
and follow him? To test this, a traveller, who