is a very clever
cat, and can learn anything you teach her in a few minutes. I also know
of another cat who never laps her milk, but always puts her paw in the
saucer and then licks the milk off of it again.

A. E. GREEN.
_Hainault Lodge, near Chigwell._
(Aged 12.)

AN INGENIOUS RAT.

DEAR MR. EDITOR,--A London carpenter whom I know for a long time
constantly found the oil-bottle attached to his lathe emptied of its
contents. Various plans were devised to find out the thief, but they all
failed. At last the man determined to watch. Through a hole in the door
he peeped for some time. By-and-by he heard a gentle noise; something
was creeping up the framework of the lathe. It was a fine rat. Planting
itself on the edge of the lathe, the ingenious creature popped its tail
inside of the bottle, then drew it out and licked off the oil. This it
continued to do until nearly every drop of oil was taken from the
bottle.

EDWIN RIPPIN.
_Osbournby, Lincolnshire._
(Aged 14.)

A CANARY PLAYING HIDE-AND-SEEK.

DEAR MR. EDITOR,--One day a few months ago we had let one of our
canaries out of his cage, and forgetting that he was out we left open
the door of the room where he was. When we remembered the bird we were
much afraid lest he should have flown out of the room. We hunted high
and low, calling his name, "Carmen," to which he often answers with a
chirp. At last I happened to push aside a little low stool, and there,
crouching down so as not to be found (as he dislikes being put into his
cage) was Carmen. He has tried since then to hide; but we know his
tricks, so he is unsuccessful.

CONSTANCE BARKWORTH.
_3, Ilchester Gardens, Bayswater._
(Aged 13-1/4.)

NOTE.--Each Story, Anecdote, &c., when sent to the Editor, must be
certified by a Parent, Teacher, or other responsible person, as being
both _True and Original_.

THE "LITTLE FOLKS" ANNUAL FOR 1885.

The Editor desires to inform his Readers that the "LITTLE FOLKS" ANNUAL
for 1885 will be published, as usual, on the 25TH OF OCTOBER. Further
particulars will be shortly announced.

OUR LITTLE FOLKS' OWN CORNER.

ANSWER TO "PICTURE STORY WANTING WORDS" (p. 64).

FIRST PRIZE STORY.

"I am afraid one of them must go, Helen."

"Oh, Maurice, really? Father gave them to us," and Helen Claire raised
her soft, tearful, brown eyes to her brother's face.

"Yes, dear, 'tis hard to part with either Diamond or Ruby, but then it
is for Dora's sake."

"I