d they
divided between them the great treasures which the dwarf had gathered
together in his cave. The old mother lived peacefully and happily with
her children for many years. She took the two rose-trees with her, and
they stood before her window, and every year bore the most beautiful
roses, white and red.

180

Whether it is possible to trace all folk tales
to India, as some scholars have contended, is a
matter yet open to debate. But there can be no
doubt that some of the most instructing and
valuable of folk tales for use with children
are found in the various collections of Indian
stories made since the pioneer work of Mary
Frere in her _Old Deccan Days_ (1868). A
voluminous literature of collections and
comment has grown up and is constantly
increasing. Four stories that have won great
favor with children are given immediately
following as the ones probably best fitted for
an introductory course. "The Lambikin" is one
of the most popular of all. It is an
accumulative droll in character and should be
told early along with, say, "The Story of the
Three Little Pigs." The children will be sure
to notice that Lambikin trundling along in his
drumikin has some similarity to the wise pig
who traveled so fast down hill in his new
churn. The story is taken from _Tales from the
Punjab_, collected by Flora Annie Steel, with
very valuable notes and analyses by Captain R.
C. Temple.

THE LAMBIKIN

Once upon a time there was a wee wee Lambikin, who frolicked about on
his little tottery legs, and enjoyed himself amazingly. Now one day he
set off to visit his Granny, and was jumping with joy to think of all
the good things he should get from her, when whom should he meet but a
Jackal, who looked at the tender young morsel and said: "Lambikin!
Lambikin! I'll EAT YOU!"

But Lambikin only gave a little frisk and said:

"To Granny's house I go,
Where I shall fatter grow,
Then you can eat me so."

The Jackal thought this reasonable, and let Lambikin pass.

By and by he met a Vulture, and the Vulture, looking hungrily at the
tender morsel before him, said: "Lambikin! Lambikin! I'll EAT YOU!"

But Lambikin only gave a little frisk, and said:

"To Granny's house I go,
Where I