their flesh is too strong even for savages to eat, but their pouches, when dried, are said to be converted into purses and bags, and are frequently embroidered for the use of ladies. They are a long-lived bird, as the emperor Maximilian had one that lived in a domesticated state above eighty years.

EDWARD JOHNSON, and his sister JANE, following the example of George Parker, soon set about making a nice rabbit house, which they covered with a neat roof, and

fixed it in the shade, high enough off the ground to be dry. All this was very thoughtful and proper. I dont say they thought of it all themselves, or did it all themselves; but, though their father gave them his advice, they were left to do as they pleased: and, as they found his advice was best, they did as he directed them, and in that they did well.

Then as to buying the bunnies, they soon managed that: for these two little folks had been taught not to waste their weekly pennies by sucking them away in sweetmeats as soon as they got them; but to lay them by, till they had got as much as two or three shillings, and then buy something useful, and worth looking at, that they could call their own.

So they had now nothing to do but, with their mother's consent, (for she was their banker, and kept their money for them in separate little boxes in her chest of drawers,) they had nothing to do but take eighteenpence out of each of their money boxes, and go and buy a male and female rabbit; and two beautiful creatures they were! Here are Edward and Jane feeding them. Edward with his pinafore full of cabbage leaves, and Jane with a little dish full of bran. Look at them, how they prick

up their ears and seem to enjoy the nice fresh leaf of cabbage that Edward is giving them.

You must not give them too much cabbage Edward, or it will give them the rot. Let them have a little parsley and lettuce now and then, and a little clover; and go and find them some sowthistles; they like them best; and be sure always to give them a dishful of bran every day, with a few oats, and now and then let them have a run in that yard you will be delighted to see how they will leap and jump and frisk about.

Yes and if you are kind to them, you will find that they will begin to know you, and seem pleased when they see you. And so it would be with many other animals if men and boys would only treat them kindly. Even savage creatures have been tamed by kindness and good usage. And as all animals are dumb, and cannot speak to tell us what they want, or how they feel, we ought to be very attentive to them when they are under our care. It is downright wickedness to use them ill. Be sure you never do so.

Sweet it is to see a child

Tender, merciful, and mild;

Ever ready to perform

Acts of mercy to a worm.

JUST let me have a word or two with the boys about their out-of-door amusements in summer-time. Among these are flying kites and playing at cricket. Here they are, in the picture, engaged in both these healthful exercises.

Dont you disregard the advice I may give you; and dont think that because advice is given, it is intended to stop or hinder your innocent amusements. It is intended to do no such thing; but only that you may be kept from doing harm to yourselves or any one else; and that when you have done playing, you may have the pleasure of reflecting, that whilst you have enjoyed your pastimes, you have not made anybody else unhappy.

But would you not feel unhappy, if, when flying your kite on some public road, you

had frightened the horse of a gentleman riding by, which, galloping away with him, he fell off and was injured very bad? When you go to fly your kite then, go into some large wide field, where you will have plenty of room, and then you will do no harm.

Playing at cricket is a healthful exercise for boys; but they must be careful how they play. They should not be in a hurry; they should take time and play steadily, and always take care when the ball is coming. Sad accidents have sometimes happened by the ball striking some one on the face, or other tender part of the body. I once heard of a youth who was killed on the spot by the ball striking him.

And let me also add-dont let your play occupy all your time. I need only remind you that such amusements, though innocent when properly pursued on a week-day, are sinful when indulged on the Lord's-day. Neither should boys do nothing but play even on a week-day. They should seek for play as an occasional recreation, not as a perpetual employment. Some lads are never satisfied except they are playing. What great big dunces will such boys grow up!

Neither should you forget that in a few days you may be laid on a bed of sickness and die, and be put in the grave. One