-a-while." If a person
once gets caught in it, it is with difficulty he escapes with his
clothes on his back, and without being greatly torn, for every attempt
to loosen one part of his dress only hooks more firmly another part.
The man who gets caught by this thorn is in a pitiable plight ere he
gets loose. You would not like--would you, boys? to be caught in this
thorn. And yet many, I fear, are being caught in a worse thorn than
"Stop-a-while." Where do you spend your evenings? At home, I do hope,
studying your lessons, and attending to mother's words; for if you
have formed a habit of spending them on the streets with bad boys, you
are caught in a thorn far worse.

[Illustration: {BIRDS PERCHING ON PLANTS.}]

THE BIRDS' CONCERT.

MRS. L. L. SLOANAKER.

There's going to be a concert
Out in the apple trees;
When the air is warm and balmy,
And the floating summer breeze
Waft down the pale pink blossoms
Upon the soft green grass:--
A lovely place to sit and dream,
For each little lad and lass!

The concert will open early
When the sun lights up the skies:--
You'll miss the opening anthem
If you let those sleepy eyes
Stay closed, and do not hasten
Out 'neath the orchard trees,
Where the pink and snowy shower
Is caught in the morning breeze.

The robins will swing in the branches,
And carol, and whistle and sing.
The thrush, who is coming to-morrow,
Will a charming solo bring.
The wrens will warble in chorus,
Rare music, so touching and sweet;
The orioles sent for their tickets,
And will surely give us a treat.

The concert will open at sun-rise,
All the June-time sweet and fair;
There'll be a grand full chorus,
For _all_ the birds will be there.
The concert is free to the children,
And is held in the apple trees,
And the birds will sing in a chorus,
"O come to our concert--please!"

ONLY A BOY.

Only a boy with his noise and fun,
The veriest mystery under the sun;
As brimful of mischief and wit and glee,
As ever a human frame can be,
And as hard to manage as--what! ah me!
'Tis hard to tell,
Yet we love him well.

Only a boy with his fearful tread,
Who cannot be driven, must be led!
Who troubles the neighbors' dogs and cats,
And tears more clothes and spoil