glad to know how I catch
mice. If you think so, you are at liberty to publish the following; for
I do not intend to apply for a patent.

One evening last week we made some molasses candy; and, as too much of
it, eaten before going to bed, is not good for the teeth, I spread some
on a baking-tin, and set it away to cool for the next day.

It was not cooked enough to harden thoroughly; and a little mouse had
the curiosity to taste it; but, the moment his feet touched it, they
stuck fast, and he could not get away.

His cries for help brought two other mice to his assistance; but they
shared the same fate, the molasses candy holding all three prisoners.

When I found them the next morning, all three were stuck fast. This
shows what a useful thing molasses candy is to have in a house, and is a
warning to all mice not to meddle with it.

ARTHUR F. CORBIN.
GOUVERNEUR, N.Y.

A SONG FOR BABY.

NUTS for all the baby-birds
In the merry budding spring;
Roses, where the dusty bees
May sip and cling.

Shade for all the pretty lambs
That in the summer stray;
Hedges, where the crickets chirp
Their time away.

Holes, where nimble squirrels hide
When autumn hours are chill;
Heaping barns, where horse and cow
Have shelter still.

Homes for rabbit, mouse, and mole,
When winter strews the ground;
But mother's arms for baby dear
The whole year round!

GEORGE COOPER.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

JAMIE CANFIELD'S SAND-HEAP.

JAMIE CANFIELD is a three-year-old boy who lives in Lawrence, Kansas,
the prettiest town in the State. He and Freddy Bassett, a four-year-old
neighbor, love to play in the dirt; and their mammas allow them to do
it, because it is so healthy.

It certainly has proved to be so in Jamie's case; for he was quite pale
and delicate in the spring, and now he is brown and rugged, and ready to
eat all the food he can get. But dear me! he used to get so dirty!

What was the use of washing him, and putting on clean dresses and
aprons, when he was constantly throwing aside his other playthings, and
making mud pies, or carting earth in his little red wagon?

His papa laughed and said, "Oh, never mind! Dirt is good for him