umbo went,
But his sister Mumbo is quite content
To stay with the children of Paris, for she
Is as happy an elephant as could be:
"I've a capital house, quite large and airy,
Close by live the Ostrich and Dromedary,
And we see our young friends every day," said she:
"Oh, where is the Zoo' that would better suit me?"

[Illustration]

A Steady steed is Mumbo, if just a trifle slow;
Upon her back you couldn't well a-steeple-chasing go:
But other opportunities there are to have a ride,
For there's a stud of ponies, and a camel to bestride--
A cart that's drawn by oxen can accommodate a few,

And if such queer conveyances don't please you at the Zoo',
There are little tramway cars too, with seats on either side,
Which will take you through the gardens, and through the _Bois_ beside:--
Take the ticket on the other page, and with it you may go
From the lake within the garden to the gate that's called _Maillot_.

[Illustration]

THE SWANS.

"Ho! pretty swans,
Do you know, in our Zoo'
The swans of old England
Are just like you?"

"Don't tell me!"
Said a cross old bird;
"I know better,
The thing's quite absurd.

"Their figures, I'm sure,
Are not worth a glance:
If you want to see style,
You _must_ come to France."

With a scornful whisk
The swan turned tail,
Spread its wings to the breeze,
And was off full-sail.

"Ho! pretty swan,
Do you know, in our Zoo'
The swans are not half
So conceited as you?"

[Illustration]

A FLOWER STALL ON THE BOULEVARDS

Look at Mere Victorine
At her stall in the street,
With the lily and rose,
And the white _marguerite_,
She makes pretty _bouquets_
The whole of the day:
There are buyers in plenty
Who pass by that way.
Little Basil and Amelie,
Watching her, stand:
Up to Mere Victorine
Basil stretches his hand,
"Can't you spare me," says he,
"A morsel of green,
Or _one_ sweet little flower,
Good Mere Victorine?"
"If you come for a flower,
Pray where is your _sou_?"
Answers Mere Victorine,
"I can't _give_ one to you--
Such flowers as mine
Are for selling, you know;
You must go to the country,
Where _wild_ flowers grow."

[Illustration]

A DAY AT VERSAILLES.

At Versailles, as perhaps you have heard,
Countless pictures of fights
Form the chief of the sights:
Could so many great bat