nd the ants
sometimes drive off the lady-birds and other foes.

The aphis, when attacked by its mortal foe the lady-bird, submits with a
good grace. Never did Turk bend his neck to the bow-string, or rush upon
the cimeter with greater courage, than the aphis submits itself to the
murderous jaws of its devouring foes. It seems quite at ease, and enjoys
life to the last bite or sup, while its companions are being killed, and
their carcasses heaped up around it. It evidently thinks it is right to
die quietly, like a great-minded little insect.

UNCLE CHARLES.

[Illustration]

TOP-KNOT.

PRETTY Biddy Top-knot has a hidden nest,
Out among the willows stretching toward the west:
Every day she runs there on her yellow legs,
To count and add another to her store of eggs.

Top-knot soon is missing from the garden walks:
No more with the other hens struts about and stalks!
No more is her cackle from the willows heard,
Where, but late, she noisily all the barn-yard stirred.

Down among the willows, stretching toward the west,
Top-knot's snowy turban shows above her nest:
Slanting ray of sunshine peeps in very bright;
Come and peep in with it, you shall see a sight.

Thirteen little chickens, downiest ever seen,
And joyous little Top-knot proud as any queen!
For that they are beauties all the hens agree:
Can you wonder Top-knot should so happy be?

Full of her importance, Top-knot doth appear,--
Thirteen little chickens she must feed and rear!
Soon more hens are missing!--are they lost or hid?
Think you they'll surprise us just as Top-knot did?

FLETA F.

[Illustration]

GARRY AND THE RAKE.

ONE summer afternoon, when the grassy slope before the house was untidy
with fallen leaves, and sticks, and withered flowers, I asked Garry to
go and bring the rake that we might clear away the rubbish.

So off he ran, and soon came back with an _iron_ rake. Now, if you have
ever tried one, you will know that an iron rake is not nearly as good
for this purpose as a wooden rake, as it is heavy, and the teeth are so
sharp that they tear the roots of the grass.

I used it for a while; but, in spite of all I could do