out,
Not knowing what it's all about
But glad to smile and sing.
--Carolyn Wells.

Playgrounds for Boys.--In a certain Ohio city there is a large placard
"Boys, you can play here," It is a large corner lot thronged the whole day
through during the good weather with boys playing ball and other games.
This lot which could be sold for thousands of dollars, has been donated to
the boys for a playground near their homes, The owner realized that the
streets are not suitable playgrounds for the children and that accidents
occur there almost daily. The streets of our cities are poor places in
which to play, bad for the boys, and still worse for the community, If you
have vacant lots turn them over to the boys this summer. A boy never
forgets a favor, and American boys are not going to abuse good privileges.
The loneliest boys are those who are not allowed to play on the beautiful
lawn at home, are not allowed on the streets, and wander about from place
to place to be told "Move on," every place they go.

ALL GIRLS AND BOYS.

Fourscore, like twenty, has its tasks and toys;
In earth's wide school-house all are girls and boys.
--O. W. Holmes.

[NURSERY HINTS AND FIRESIDE GEMS 809]

Disinfection of Toys and Books.--All toys that have been used by a child
suffering from an infectious disease should be either burned or thoroughly
disinfected before they are used again. Books read by the little patient
should be especially guarded against.

FROM LOWELL'S "AFTER THE BURIAL."

In the breaking gulfs of sorrow,
When the helpless feet stretch out
And find in the deeps of darkness
No footing so solid as doubt,
Then better one spar of Memory,
One broken plank of the Past,
That our human heart may cling to,
Though hopeless of shore at last!

Keep Dainties Away from the Beginning.--The well-trained child does not
crave unaccustomed dainties. It is natural that he should feel a curiosity
with regard to a dish with which he is not familiar, and ask some
questions about it. But that does not mean that any of it is to be given
to him. A boy whose digestive organs were very delicate was taught from
babyhood to sit in his high chair at the table and eat what was on his
tray and was perfectly content with what he had, as he knew no other diet.
Once in awhile he would ask: "Is that good for little boys?" and when his
mother would answer gent