And in their midst is a little child,
With ragged shoes and a brimless hat,
Not bigger than Hop-O'-my-Thumb, at most,
And wan and thin at that.

I see his fingers like little claws,
His berry-brown eyes, and wistful smile,
As he plies the bow of his fiddle fast,
And tries to sing meanwhile.

And when his shrill brief song is done,
He plucks the hat from his curly head,
And begs a penny from every one,
Though not a word is said.

Just fit for a mother's arms to fold,
Yet here alone in the heat and dust,
Doing his poor, tired, baby best
To earn for himself a crust.

He looks like Teddy, for all the world;
Just such a tanned and rosy skin;
Only he lacks the apple cheeks,
The dimples, and double-chin.

And I think if Teddy were motherless,
And had to wander from place to place,
How quickly the twinkle would leave his eye,
And the dimples leave his face.

So, Teddy, open the little bank,
And give him the pennies kept for toys,
And under my window let me see
Two little nut-brown boys!

MRS. CLARA DOTY BATES.

[Illustration: ]

THE CATBIRD.

THE catbird belongs to the family of thrushes, and is one of the most
peculiar of our American birds. It is dark colored, with brown head and
neck, and greenish-black tail. The bird is fond of society, and usually
builds its nest near the dwellings of men, rather than in the quiet of
the forest.

Its voice, when angry or disturbed, is harsh and shrill, but at other
times, soft and sweet. It has also a cry like the mewing of a cat, from
which it derives its name. It is very courageous, and will defend its
young until it falls exhausted.

The catbird can be tamed, but is as mischievous as a young
monkey,--meddlesome, full of curiosity, and so jealous, that it will
drive any other pet bird out of the house. It dislikes to be caged,
preferring the freedom of the room, so that it may look in the
looking-glass, take pins off from the cushion, or perch on the plants in
the window.

AUNT ALICE.

[Illustration: HOW TO DRAW A CAT.]

When Ellen makes up dough for br