nd get crumbs to feed it,
while in the latter case, nearly every one will just as certainly look
for a stone. Thus the growing up in the right atmosphere, rather than
the receiving of the right instruction, is the condition which it is
most important to secure, in plans for forming the characters of
children.

It is in accordance with this philosophy that these stories, though
written mainly with a view to their moral influence on the hearts and
dispositions of the readers, contain very little formal exhortation
and instruction. They present quiet and peaceful pictures of happy
domestic life, portraying generally such conduct, and expressing such
sentiments and feelings, as it is desirable to exhibit and express in
the presence of children.

The books, however, will be found, perhaps, after all, to be useful
mainly in entertaining and amusing the youthful readers who may peruse
them, as the writing of them has been the amusement and recreation of
the author in the intervals of more serious pursuits.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER PAGE

I.--THE CAVERN, 11

II.--BOYISHNESS, 30

III.--THE PLOWING, 47

IV.--NEGOTIATIONS, 66

V.--PLANS FOR THE SQUIRREL, 85

VI.--DIFFICULTY, 96

VII.--THE WORK SHOP, 111

VIII.--A DISCOVERY, 130

IX.--THE ACCIDENT, 148

X.--GOOD ADVICE, 165

XI.--THE JOURNEY HOME, 181

ENGRAVINGS

PAGE
THE BOYS AT THE MILL--FRONTISPIECE.

GOING OUT THE GATE, 18

THE CAVERN, 27

THE TRAP, 40

THE HORNET'S NEST, 57

OXEN DRINKING, 60

BEECHNUT'S ADVICE, 89

THE APPEAL, 105

FRINK ON THE BEAM, 119

DOROTHY'S FIRE, 140

THE DOCTOR'S VISIT, 163

THE EFFIGY, 168

FRINK IN THE