day, the door of his cage stood open. He
would fly to Aunt Minnie's shoulder while she sat sewing, and sing his
sweetest notes for her, or perch on her finger and take the bit of fresh
lettuce she brought for him from the table.

But after baby came--can you believe it?--this dear little birdie
behaved just like a spoiled child. He rolled himself up into a soft
yellow ball, and actually moped.

Not a note would he sing. Aunt Minnie could not coax him with green leaf
or seed. He would insist on making himself unhappy until baby was taken
out for an airing. Then he would burst into song again, and seem to feel
that he was in his old place,--the only treasure.

It was a long time before the poor little bird found out that Aunt
Minnie's heart was large enough to love him and her precious baby too.
But he is learning it now, and likes to have baby held up to his cage.

When Aunt Minnie lets him out into the room, he hops close by the baby;
and baby laughs, and stretches out his dimpled hands to catch him; but
he is wise enough to keep out of baby's way.

Don't you think it is nice for Aunt Minnie to have such treasures?

E. P. B.

A NAUGHTY BABY.

HE'S a very naughty baby,
For he will not shut his eyes
And go to sleep, though I have done
My best to hush his cries.
I've trotted him, I've patted him,
I've given him some food;
But nothing that I do for him
Will do him any good.

I've sung a little lullaby,
The one that mother sings;
One that to weary little ones,
Sweet slumber, always brings.
I've scolded him, I've shaken him,
All sorts of things I've tried;
But the naughty, noisy baby-man
Will not be pacified.

He screams so loud he frightens me;
He's getting worse and worse.
I do wish mother would come home,
Or get this boy a nurse.
I'll toss him up, I'll tumble him,
Play "creep-mouse," and "bo-peep,"
Perhaps if I can make him laugh,
The laugh will make him sleep.

You naughty, naughty baby,
How could you vex me so?
One would not think you ever cried,
To hear you laugh and crow!
Hush, hush! He's getting tired out:
Now