happy and contented, swinging
there on his perch. He likes to be talked to, and can answer very plain.
If you say to him, "How do you do, Poll?" he will answer you, "Quite well,
thank you, and how are you?" Poll is quite a companion, he is so
intelligent.

[Illustration]

JOHN'S NEW TOY.

John is in high glee, for his aunt has bought him a new toy. It is a
figure made of paste-board, and it throws out its legs and arms.

[Illustration]

THE SECRET.

Emma seems whispering something in her sister's ear as if it was a secret.
I do not know why she should whisper, for no one seems near to overhear
them. I suppose it is something about their dolls, else about little Fan,
who is lying beside them on the floor, and who seems to be very tired.

[Illustration]

ELLEN'S DREAM.

Ellen is very fond of animals, and likes to read about them. Papa has just
bought her a pretty book, in which she has been reading a good deal about
sheep and shepherds. I suppose it is owing to this that she dreamed last
night she was a shepherdess, with a crook in her hand, and her sheep lying
in the fields around her, just as our artist has drawn in the picture.

[Illustration]

QUARRELLING.

This is a sad scene. The two little sisters are quarrelling over their
playthings, and I am afraid the dolls will get damaged in their angry
strife. The little lamb lies upset on the chair, the little dolly is
sprawling on the floor, and the dress of the bigger one will certainly be
torn. It is a pity the two sisters should quarrel in this manner, and
about such trifles too.

[Illustration]

DILIGENT CHARLES.

Charles is one of the most diligent boys in his school. He does not
dislike a good game in the playground, but, when you see him there, you
may be sure his lessons have all been learned first. The diligent
schoolboy generally becomes a successful man, but a dunce seldom gets on
in after-life.

[Illustration]

TIRED OF IT.

Arthur Jones has been writing some exercises in grammar this morning. He
has not done much, but he is quite tired of it already. He wishes the
clock would strike twelve, that he might leave off, and spin the top at
his side. Shame on you, lazy Arthur!

[Illustration]

THE SULKY GIRL.

Here is a little party of children, playing in the wood-yard this
afternoon. They have been having some merry games, and had just arranged
to meet again next half-holiday. S