27

A MORNING CALL By _M. L. B. Branch_ 28

"HE DID IT FIRST." By _the author of "Dick and I."_ 30

THE CATS AND THE MOUSE (_Music by T. Crampton_) 32

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EDITOR'S PORTFOLIO.

... A happy New year to all friends and subscribers, old and young! They
are sending us such an amount of encouragement, notwithstanding the hard
times, that, instead of growing older the coming year, we think we shall
grow younger. So do not fear, little ones, that we shall talk too
learnedly for you yet awhile.

... See the capital articles by the author of "Dick and I" in this
number. They are written in words of one syllable, and are as witty as
they are wise and good. Read them, and then hear your little ones read
them.

... We need not commend to lovers of art the fine original drawings in
this number. That of "Christmas at the North," by Merrill, and that of
"Christmas at the South." by Sheppard, of Richmond, are excellent. The
drawing of the two dogs by Harrison Weir is also capital.

... The little boys in all parts of the country, who have been asking us
so urgently to give a picture of a train of cars, will be glad to learn
that Mr. Merrill has drawn a capital one which will appear in our next
number.

... There is a great rush for THE NURSERY PRIMER. We can hardly get the
books from the binder fast enough to supply the demand. It is no wonder;
for no cheaper or better present for a child can be found.

... THE EASY BOOK and the THE BEAUTIFUL BOOK are also in great demand
for holiday Gifts.

... Unaccepted articles will be returned to the writers _if stamps are
sent with them_ to pay return postage. Manuscripts not so accompanied
will not be preserved, and subsequent requests for their return cannot
be complied with.

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[Illustration: Hand] ~We want a special agent in every town in the
United States. Persons disposed to act in that capacity, are invited to
communicate with the publisher.~

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~THE NURSERY.~

~TERMS--1876.~

~SUBSCRIPTIONS~,--$1.60 a year, in advance. Three copies for $4.30 a year;
four for $5.40; five for $6.50; six for $7.60; seven for $8.70; eight
for $9.80; nine for $10.90; each additional copy for $1.20; twenty
copies for $22.00, always in advance.

~Postage is included in the above rates.