ck was loaded down with presents
of Edwin's manufacture.

Nice little brackets to set up against the wall, nice little bedsteads,
book-shelves, toy-houses, frames for pictures, card-baskets,--these are
but a few of the great variety of things that Edwin makes with his
jig-saw.

Many little articles he gives away, for he is a generous boy: but he
wants books, and his mother cannot always afford to buy him the books he
wants; for she has two children, besides himself, to provide for.

So one day when Mr. Topliff, who keeps a great toy-shop, said to Edwin,
"I'll pay you well for as many of these toy-houses as you can make,"
Edwin replied, "I'll go to work just as soon as I have finished this
bracket; for a little money is just what I want."

Edwin had by practice learned to use his saw with great skill, and he
took pains always to do his work well. Gradually he learned to do the
finer sort of cabinet-work; and then he puzzled his wits to invent new
varieties of toys, and other things often sought for as Christmas
presents.

Mr. Topliff said, "You can earn a living by this kind of work, if you
choose, Edwin." But no! Edwin had made up his mind to go to college; and
so he replied, "If I can pay my college expenses by working at odd
hours, Mr. Topliff, I mean to do it--and I think I can."

"So do I," said Mr. Topliff. "You've got the knack. Well, my lad, don't
forget the firm of Topliff & Co. Bring us all your pretty things."

UNCLE CHARLES.

[Illustration]

THE PETITION OF THE SPARROWS.

NOW girls and boys of Chester Square,
Pray give us of your meals a share.
Just have the kindness to remember
That this is chilly, bleak December;
That snow has covered long the ground
Till really nothing's to be found:
So throw us out a crumb or two,
And, as you would be done by, do.

In those snug little cottages
That you have placed among the trees,
We all were hatched, and so, you see,
Are members of the family.
Hunger and frost are hard to bear:
So, girls and boys of Chester Square,
Just throw us out a crumb or two,
And, as you would be done by, do.

We know bad things of us are told:
They call us English upstarts bold;
Say we drive off the snow-birds dear,
And figh