rice, and seems to have been
used principally for a series of stories belonging to what may be styled
the Ethics-in-Play type of juvenile literature, and entitled the
"History and Adventures of Little William," "Little Nancy," etc. These
tales, written after the objective manner of Miss Edgeworth, glossed
over by rhyme, contained usually eight colored plates, and sold for
twenty-five cents each instead of twelve cents, the price of the
picture-book without colored plates. Sometimes, as in the case of
"Cinderella," we find the text illustrated with a number of "Elegant
Figures, to dress and undress." The paper doll could be placed behind
the costumes appropriate to the various adventures, and, to prevent the
loss of the heroine, the book was tied up with pink or blue ribbon after
the manner of a portfolio.

With engravers on wood and copper able to make more attractive the
passion for instruction which marked the first quarter of the nineteenth
century, the variety of toy-book literature naturally became greater.
Indeed, without pictures to render somewhat entertaining the
Labor-in-Play school, it is doubtful whether it could have attained its
widespread popularity.

It is, of course, possible to name but a few titles typical of the
various kinds of instruction offered as amusement. "To present to the
young Reader a Little Miscellany of Natural History, Moral Precept,
Sentiment, and Narrative," Dr. Kendall wrote "Keeper's Travels in Search
of his Master," "The Canary Bird," and "The Sparrow." "The Prize for
Youthful Obedience" endeavored to instill a love for animals, and to
promote obedient habits. Its story runs in this way:

"A kind and good father had a little lively son, named Francis; but,
although that little boy was six years old, he had not yet learned to
read.

"His mama said to him, one day, 'if Francis will learn to read well, he
shall have a pretty little chaise.'

"The little boy was vastly pleased with this; he presently spelt five or
six words and then kissed his mama.

"'Mama,' said Francis, 'I am delighted with the thoughts of this chaise,
but I should like to have a horse to draw it.'

"'Francis shall have a little dog, which will do instead of a horse,'
replied his mama, 'but he must take care to give him some victuals, and
not do him any harm.'"

The dog was purchased, and named Chloe. "She was as brisk as a bee,
prettily spotted, and as gentle as a lamb." We are now prepared for
trouble,