Chapter III: Part 3

_Edith_ from California. "Selfishness" is a weed which seems to thrive in a great many States. I am not surprised to hear that California has its share. Glad you are going to root it from your grounds. I have ordered the missing number of THE PANSY sent to you.

_Lowrie_ from Washington Territory. So you do not mean the rest of us shall know what fault you are striving to overcome? Well, never mind; so that you and Jesus know about it, that is all that is really necessary. But if you honestly try, there are others who will know about it. You may not hear them, but they will be saying among themselves: "How much Lowrie is improving! Don't you know how often he used to give way to that fault of his? Now he hardly ever does." When your dear "chubby" fingers get so they can write, send me word how you are prospering, and whether you find the badge a help.

_Calvert_ from Indiana. Here is a boy who is going to stop "putting off things." Good! I wish you lived with a boy friend of mine long enough for him to adopt your resolve. He troubles all his friends so much with that very habit! Perhaps he will read this letter, and join you. I am glad you try to increase the circulation of THE PANSY. If every Blossom on our list should get one new subscriber a year, even, what a _great_ new garden we should have!

_Nora_ from Minnesota. What sort of a "face" is it, my dear? I suspect, a cross one; for I know several people who do not like to "practise." Suppose you resolve to wear a smile, whenever you are told to do that wearisome thing? In which case, you would be sure to keep your pledge. Wouldn't you?

_Annie_ from Missouri. Five new subscribers in a week! What a bright little worker it is! A "quick" temper is not a bad thing to have, when it is a servant, and not a mistress. So long as you keep it under good control, it will help you to move quickly, and work quickly, and think quickly. Did you know that?

_Amy_ from New York. My dear Blossom, I want to preach a little sermon to you, with one word for a text: PATIENCE. I know you have had to wait long for the answer to your letter; but what would you do if you were the editor of a magazine, which was published once a month, and had room in it for replies to only a dozen or twenty letters each month, and you received as many as twenty-five a day? You "would make shorter answers," I think I hear you say. That is a good suggestion; I have thought about it myself; but there is always so much to say! I am sorry to hear that you have not kept your pledge very well, but the old motto which my dear mother used to quote to me, when I was a very little girl, is a good one for you: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."

_Nellie_ from Maine. So I had the honor of receiving the first letter you ever wrote! I am pleased with that. A good letter it was, too. I have just been reading about a little girl in California who has a habit of fretting; and now I find that they have the same disease in Maine! Well, I am glad to know that there will be less of it from this time. It is sometimes very hard work to obey promptly. You will have to keep careful watch of yourself; but it will be a triumph worth winning, when you form the habit.

_Winnie_ and _Helen_ from Minnesota. I am always glad to welcome sisters; for I know how helpful they can be to each other. When we have two, patient, lady-like, sweet Pansies who speak only gentle words, how sweet the perfume will be! Perhaps the breath of such flowers will creep all over the State of Minnesota! You don't think that possible? Oh, yes indeed. I have known a sweet breath from a little human flower, reach from New York to China. Try how far you can make your perfume reach.

_Lucy_ from Massachusetts. Poor fingernails! I am always so sorry for those faithful friends when they have to be bitten. I will hope for better times with yours. It is astonishing how many warm friends Nettie Decker has! She is a favorite of mine, so I am glad you like her. I read your letter to the author of "My Brainless Acquaintance" and he expressed much pleasure at the thought that you enjoyed it. I hope you will give the "baby brother" a kiss for me.

_Margie_ from Massachusetts. That is the trouble, my dear little girl: So many people are naughty "before they think."

I know of only one way to learn how to think, and that is, to ask Jesus to keep your thoughts on what he wants you to remember. You must always remember that it "takes two to make a quarrel;" so if you will not quarrel with any person, no one can quarrel with you.

_Helen_ and _Frank_ from Maryland. Dear little brother and sister, we are very glad to receive your names. There are a great many things to "get mad" over. I heard a little boy say, yesterday, that when he was in any trouble, he always got mad. I asked if that helped him any, and he owned that he thought it made the matter worse. It is pleasant to think that Frank will watch his temper, after this. And as for you, Helen, I shall expect to hear that you make a great deal of sunshine from this time.

_Mary_ from Minnesota. Dear little Blossom, with "ever so many bad habits," what a work you have before you. But if you will hold your ear close, and not tell anybody, I will whisper a secret to you. Every little girl I know, has ever so many, also. The difference between them is only, that some are trying to overcome, and some are not. Let me tell you that is a _very great difference_; one that will reach all through life. It is so good to think that our little Mary belongs to those who are trying.

_Ned_ and _Willie_ from "Home." Well, my dear boys, that was what you said; and glad am I that you can date your letters from home, but I wish I knew in what State it was! I might have looked at the envelope, it is true, but I "forgot" and threw it away. Never mind, _you_ know where you live, and I hope will never forget that it is the best place in the world. What a comfort to think of the hats and satchels, and all the other school belongings carefully put away, instead of being tossed on a chair, or under the table, or anywhere. Oh! I know all about it. A boy of my acquaintance pitched his hat into the milk pitcher the other day! Neither the hat nor the boy felt so well afterwards. As for that habit of "exaggerating" it is astonishing as well as sad, to think how it will grow. Not long ago I repeated a remark which a lady made, who had called on me; I was at once asked where I heard it, and I mentioned the lady's name. "Oh," said my friend, "that is probably not true; I have not heard of it, and I think I certainly should have, if it had been so. As for Miss ----, you cannot credit anything she says." Then noticing my astonished look, she added earnestly: "I am sorry to tell you so; but it is the truth. Not that I think she intends to be false, but she has such a sad habit of exaggerating, that really no one pretends to believe her stories." Think of it!

_Florence_ from Pennsylvania. A "grumbler" is a very uncomfortable person, certainly. By all means let us uproot the weed from our Pansy Beds. Thank your dear mamma for her kind words.

_Willie_ from Minnesota. Oh! I understand all about that habit; it causes a great deal of annoyance in this world. Only a few minutes ago, a boy rushed into the room where his mother was engaged with callers, and shouted, "Mamma, may I go to the lake a little while?" The question broke into the midst of this sentence which the caller was trying to say: "What a gentlemanly boy you have, Mrs. ----. I admire his manners very much!" Don't you think both she and the mother must have _admired_ him at that moment? I congratulate your mother on the pledge you have taken.

_Mattie_ from New Hampshire. There are a great many faults to struggle against, it is true; but those who overcome are always those who earnestly wish to do so. Certainly our Pansies have a great many ill-treated fingernails! We are glad to hear of improvements in that direction.

_Belle_ from New York. You have a hard task before you, my dear; I know by experience how easy it is to speak cross words. But when we remember how they sting, and what harm they often do, which can never be undone, we will surely try to give only "soft answers."

_Freddie_ from Connecticut. What a long word you chose to struggle with--Impulsiveness. I ask a boy, near me, what it means, and he says: "Oh, it means rushing off to do things, before a fellow knows whether he ought to, or not." If his definition is good--do you accept it?--I think you have made a wise pledge.

_Robbie_ from Maine. It is queer how many boys I know who are like my Pansy Blossoms, scattered all over this big world of ours. A boy friend of mine hates to go to the post-office at just the time when he ought; and he so often says, "Won't it do by and by?" that he has earned the name of "By and by."

_Mabel_ from Pennsylvania. If one only keeps one's eyes wide open, my dear, it is very easy to see things with which to find fault; it is wise to learn to shut one's eyes, on occasion, to the faults of others. I am glad you have taken the pledge. Remember me to your dear mother, and thank her for her kind words.

_Jessie_ from Missouri. People who are "patient about everything" are very scarce, and very lovely. I am glad to think of Jessie as trying for this. By all means "get out" of that habit of which you speak. You will be a comfort to the teacher as well as a help to your classmates, if you do. I am sorry you have been sick. Your letter was well written, and gave me great pleasure.

_Florence_ from Iowa. Did you ever hear of the little girl whose father gave her a birthday present of a necklace of little thorns, because her tongue said so many sharp and spiteful words? He told her he had intended to make the necklace of beautiful beads, but had decided that thorns would match her style better. Such a necklace would not fit you, now, would it? I rejoice over your pledge.

_Edwin_ and _Harold_ from Maine. Of course we will receive the little brother. A boy five years old can keep a pledge as well as an older person; sometimes better. I hope there will be fewer tears shed in your home than ever before; also, that my boy Edwin will become noted for the prompt manner in which he obeys all right calls.

_Maud_ from Pennsylvania. Impatient people are always "nervous;" did you know it? I had an old aunt who used to say that "nervous" was a new-fashioned word, which she did not believe in; that in her day, they called it "cross." That is pretty hard on the nerves, isn't it? I don't agree with her. Sometimes those nerves twinge in a very disagreeable manner; but the strong will which they are trying to twist, gets the better of them, and gentle patience is the result. I hope you will succeed.

_Beverly_ from Maryland. My boy, you are growing rich, are you not? So many dear friends already in Heaven, waiting and watching for you. Would it not be sad if their boy should do anything to grieve them? I hope your badge will be helpful. I see no sparrows about me, but while I write, the mocking-birds are singing in the pine trees near by.

_Arthur_ from Pennsylvania. I like your verses very much. As soon as I have time, I shall copy them for the magazine. I am afraid "Reaching Out" must close with October, as I have another story waiting, which I think you boys, particularly, will like quite as well as "Reaching Out."

_Ellen_ from Kansas. It is quite a common thing for people to see the faults of others, and be blind to their own. Queer, isn't it? Do you remember the old Scotch poem:

O wad some power the giftie gie us,
To see ourselves as ithers see us!
It wad from mony a blunder free us,
And foolish notion.

There is a wise old man who says that people are pretty sure to see in others the very failings which they themselves possess. What do you think of it? I am much interested in your "literary cat." What branch of study does she appear to be taking up?

_Arthur_ from Tennessee. You had a chance to exercise patience in waiting for your badge, did you not? I do not know why some of the badges seem to think they must be so long on the road, unless it is to help their owners to a little of that quality. Don't you think it is generally a scarce article with boys?

_Birdie_ from Kentucky. O yes, Birdie, we have a great many Blossoms in Kentucky, only we have not answered their letters yet. There are many hundreds still waiting. My dear little girl, do you think one has to "try" very hard to love such a Friend as Jesus? I suspect you mean that you have not learned to love Him enough to obey Him perfectly. That is a hard lesson; it gives me joy to think you are trying to learn it.

_Gertrude_ from Missouri. "Things" seem to be determined to lie around in the way. All over the country I notice that the P. S. Blossoms have the same trouble. They will certainly have to be willing to hang on hooks, and nails, or lie quietly on clothespress shelves; for the P. S. has gotten hold of them with determined wills. We are glad of a recruit from Missouri.

_Sallie_ from Massachusetts. I like to hear of an interested reader of my books, but, Sallie dear, do not let them lead you astray. I once went to call on a woman who needed help. It was nearly twelve o'clock, but her breakfast table still stood in the middle of the floor, black with flies; the little mass of oil in which some of them were drowning, had once been butter; her baby was playing with the coal hod, and his face and clothes were the color of it; and everything about the room was in disorder. The mother sat in the one rocking-chair, wiping her eyes over a story which she was reading. "I ought to a done up my work," she said, "but land, I do love to read. I always was literary!" You will never be such a woman as that! I hear you say. No, I do not think you will. Especially since you have taken your pledge.

_Helen_ from Missouri. Poor little Blossom! You have had a hard experience. My heart aches for you; but I am hoping that before this time you are well. I once knew of a boy who was sent to mend a sidewalk, and did his work so poorly, that his mother tripped on the place and broke her limb. I hope no careless boy was the cause of all your suffering. There is a Bible verse for you; did you know it? Look at the latter part of Matthew 8:17.

_Susie_ from Ohio. Welcome, little worker. I hope the new society prospered; let us know how you conduct your meetings, for what are you working, and all about it. With your dear father and mother waiting for you in Heaven, you will want to be sure not to disappoint them. I hope to meet you there.

_Kittie_ and _France_ from New York. To "obey promptly" and to avoid all words and ways which come under the head of "contradicting" are very important things to accomplish. May you and "little sister" be great helps to each other. I am glad you like "Grandma Burton."

_Charlie_ from Missouri. There was no trouble in reading your letter, Charlie. I wish all my correspondents would write as plainly. Oh poor birds! Don't neglect them. If they could fly away in the free air, I think they would feed themselves; but since they can't, help them. As for the wood, perhaps it would come in of its own accord if it had feet. Who knows? But since it hasn't, Charlie must be brisk feet for it. "Do with your might what your hands find to do." Isn't that a good motto?

_Millie_ from Pennsylvania. I am sorry you had such long waiting for your badges. Your first letter must have gone a journey around the world, for I have never seen it. However, I hope it has all been made right at last. If I were not so far away, I would be tempted to accept your kind invitation for Saturday afternoon, but I fear I could not get back in time for Sabbath school, next day!

_Maud_ from Pennsylvania. So you "talk too loud!" Well, you have plenty of company. I know a boy who has to be reminded several times a day, that none of his friends are deaf. Are you ever just a trifle out of patience when your voice is loud? It affects some people in that way.

_Lew_ from Pennsylvania. It is my opinion that a boy who has been "good" for two or three days, can be good the rest of the time. Don't you think so? Try it, my boy. Watch that tongue, for it is a good friend, and a dangerous enemy.

DEAR PANSY:

Nearly two years ago I was visiting a friend in East St. Louis, and she showed me THE PANSY, and mamma liked it so well she said I might subscribe for it, and you cannot imagine how I have enjoyed it. I take the _St. Nicholas_ also. Now, dear Pansy, I am going to confide to you my great fault, which is not putting things in their places. It worries mamma and it worries everybody around the house to see my cap in one place, my cloak in another, my skates in another. I will promise to keep the pledge and always keep the Whisper Motto in mind, for nothing can be done without Jesus' help. I would like a badge. I have no little brothers or sisters, and as none of my little friends take THE PANSY, I cannot get up a society.

From a loving and constant reader,
CORA M. CASS.

DEAR PANSY:

I am a little girl nine years old. Sometimes I am very thoughtless, and that is what I got my badge in August for. I think it has helped me some. The Whisper Motto, "For Jesus' Sake," has helped me a heap. I think THE PANSY is the best magazine I ever saw. "Little Fishers and their Nets" is the nicest story I ever read. I have two little sisters, Daisy, six years old, and Alice, three years old.

My father went to heaven last spring. He caught cold while preaching. Excuse this writing with pencil, but the ink is frozen, for we had _very_ cold weather. With much love,

One of your Little Southern Blossoms,
CORA STRONG.

DEAR PANSY:

I have been very much interested in reading the little letters from different children, and I thought I would write too. May I tell you something about myself? I have had spinal disease for years, and am obliged to lie in bed all the time.

I am in a hospital where are many children; those who are able to be up, go to school in the mornings, and in the afternoon the teacher comes up stairs to give little lessons to those who are in bed.

The children have books, toys, games, and hobby horses. The girls like to play "hospital," with their dollies, and have two or three boys for doctors. The dolls are treated as though they really felt sick; and the young doctors pretend to give them ether, before they perform their surgical operations! It is quite funny to see how the very little boys and girls will imitate doctors and nurses.

The children have a little society called the "Ready-To-Help." Sometime I will tell you of some of the things which its members do to help.

Your loving BLOSSOM.

DEAR PANSY:

There is one Fault I want to over come and when i have any thing and when i have anything to put it back where i got it from, and not to laugh and talk i Sunday school and when i pull of my hat at night, i cant find it next morning.

From your friend
ARCHER E. BANKS.

DEAR PANSY:

We have a beautiful Pansy bed. We have about twenty-five Blossoms. Some are big, and some are little; some are golden color, and some are deep purple. When the Pansies meet, the Vice-President takes the P. S. roll book, goes to each Blossom and gets the record for the month. I have promised to be patient, and to speak kindly. Willie's pledge was to try to keep his temper; and his record was: "I forgot a few times, but it helped; and I mean to try harder." One dark Pansy promised to brush her teeth at least once a day, and not to be selfish.

The garden is growing very nicely; by and by we are going to plant new seeds. The last time we met we played a nice game; we all stood around the table, and fished with poles. The wee Blossoms were very much delighted.

Good-by,
PRESIDENT HATTIE.

DEAR PANSY:

As you seem to have room in your heart for all little girls, I will be one of the number. I enjoy your magazine very much. I am a cripple; I was injured by falling through a sidewalk. I had to lie in bed for thirteen months with a nine-pound weight attached to my limb, and it bandaged to a board. I have tried to be patient. Words of sympathy from my friends do me a great deal of good. I had a dream about you last night; I thought you were talking about "Little Fishers and their Nets." I do think Nettie Decker is the nicest and best Christian girl I ever knew! I don't admire "Lorena Barstow," but mamma says she is sorry to say there are many little girls like her. Dear Pansy, won't you come and see me? I will meet you at the train and take you to my home.

Your little friend, HELEN.

_DEAR MRS ALDEN_

_I AM A LITTLE GIRL SIX YEARS OLD I AM GOING TO TRY NOT TO BE SO CROSS MAY I HAVE A BADGE_

_ADA MAUD GUNNING_

DEAR PANSY:

Mamma says I ought to tell you at the commencement that I am eleven years old, but a poor penman, and she is afraid you cannot read my letter, but I will try and do my best. I have taken THE PANSY for two years, and enjoy it very much. I get so interested in "Reaching Out" that I am almost impatient for the numbers to come. After reading them, I send them away in our mission barrel to the children in Utah. I would like to keep them; but mamma thinks we ought to let some one else enjoy them. I have read nearly all your books. From reading "Pocket Measure" I learned how nice it was to give. Mamma especially likes "Mrs. Solomon Smith."

I would like to join the P. S. I have tried for a week to decide on the fault that I needed most to overcome; but I do not know which one it is, I have so many. (It seems to me as though every one else had but one fault.) I know one of mine is not obeying quickly, when mamma speaks. I would rather read your books and magazine than do my work. I _do_ like to read very much. Another fault is a quick temper. I pray over my faults and try to overcome them; I want to lead my dear friends to the Saviour, but I have so many faults! I think I will wear my badge for them all. I have a picture of you; papa is going to have it framed for me to hang in my room. Lovingly, SALLIE.

"UP HILL AND DOWN DALE."

ANOTHER new book! It is astonishing how many beautiful books these Pansies seem to think they need. Well, "Up Hill and Down Dale" is delightful enough to make your eyes shine. Two hundred pages, and numberless pictures, one of which I put before you.

The book is written by Laura D. Nichols; and those of the Pansies who have read her "Overhead" and "Underfoot," need no further introduction to this book. They know they will like it. For the rest of you, you need to get acquainted with sweet, womanly little Nelly Marlow, and her good brother Harry. You want to know how they went to the country, leaving Harry behind to be brave and manly at his uncle's; how Nelly cared for her mother's breakfast, and even, with "Miss Gage's" help, went into the furniture business, and manufactured a lovely table for the somewhat barely furnished room.

This is only a hint of her helpfulness, and her wise sweet ways. Plenty of fun she had, too; and a most astonishing way of making friends with everybody, and having unexpectedly good times because they liked to have her with them. Just let me give you a taste of one of the days which her good friend Dave planned for her:

"'Say, Nelly,' he began, 'do you want to go up to Hackmatack to-morrow?'

"'Of course I do!' cried she; 'who's going?'

"'Well, Abner is, an' I be, an' Sam, an' Sam's father. There's an ol' house an' barn half-way up the mounting, where 'Siah Buckman's folks used to live, an' they're all gone out West, an' Abner an' Sam's father have bought the standin' grass on the halves, an' we're goin' up to cut it. Miss Gage said she'd like to go, if you would, an' there's a woman an' her boy boardin' at Sam's an' mebbe they'll go too. You could take your dinner and have a kind of a picnic.'

"'O, that would be perfectly lovely!' cried Nelly. 'I'm so glad you thought of it. I'll go and ask mother now. Good-night, aunty, I'll come and tell you all about it, if we go.'

"Mrs. Marlow was well pleased that her daughter should have a whole day out-of-doors, under such safe escort, and assured her that, although she should miss her, she would be fully recompensed by hearing of her adventures.

"The next day proved as perfect a hay-day as could be desired. Abner, Mr. Burns and Sam had an early breakfast, and were off before six o'clock, with their scythes and rakes in the Burns's single wagon, leaving Dave to follow with a two-seated one, bringing the ladies and dinner pails. The boarders from Sam's house proved to be a Mrs. Symonds, a gayly dressed and lively young woman, and her little boy Ambrose, a quiet child eight or nine years old.

"'You're sure you'll not be lonely, mamma?' whispered Nelly, giving her mother a parting hug.

"'Not a bit lonely, dear; I'm going to write a long letter to cousin Miranda, and take it to the office myself, for I slept better than usual after my walk yesterday.'

"This sent Nelly off with a happy face; Wealthy pushed in the last basket, and away they went, at as good speed as Dave could get from old 'Peach who had been a colt at the time of the great impeachment trial in Washington.

"Their way lay first through the village, which Dave, half-proud and half-ashamed of his load of ladies, was rather glad to leave behind. Then came a cool, shady mile in the woods, the road slowly ascending between noble maple-trees.

"'I don't believe there's a handsomer maple-orchard in the State,' said Dave. 'You jest oughter be here in sap-time, Nelly! You could ride up here on the sled an' help me an' Sam empty the buckets, an' there'll be a big fire under the kettle in the sap-house over there'--pointing to a rough shed with a chimney, near the roadside; 'an' you could drink all the sap, an' eat all the sugar you wanted.'

"'Why! Is it here that maple-sugar comes from?' exclaimed Mrs. Symonds, who did not know much about the country; and Dave willingly pointed out the half-healed holes in the bark of the trees they were passing, and explained how the little wooden conductors were fitted in, to lead the sap into the pails and troughs placed below, and how it was afterwards boiled down to sugar, or made into luscious syrup. She and Ambrose at once declared that they would stay in Hickory Corners to see this delightful work, and were much disappointed when Dave with a grin, informed them that it was usually done in March, and that he had once had his ears frozen, from staying too long in the woods.

"'But you told me that Sam's sister used to help,' said Nelly reproachfully, as she and Dave here jumped out to walk up hill, leaving the reins to Miss Gage; 'and you said you wished I could be here.'

"'Well, an' so I do, an' so Susy did,' retorted the boy; 'but _she_ has sense enough to dress up for cold weather, an' so would you have, but that woman hain't. Look at her now! What sort of shoes are them for goin' up a mounting? an' where'll all them ruffles be, by night?'

"It was too true that Mrs. Symonds' flounced and lace-edged muslin was most unfit for the excursion, and her French shoes ill-adapted for walking, but Nelly did not think it polite to criticise her to Dave, so she was glad to change the subject.

"'O, there is some Indian pipe!' she exclaimed, darting out of the road to pick a cluster of the pure, sculptured-looking flowers, growing at the foot of a giant hemlock. She ran to the wagon to show them to Miss Gage and Mrs. Symonds.

"'O how exquisite!' cried the latter lady, 'how exactly like wax! Do give me one!'

"But when Nelly did so, and she had put it to her nose, she exclaimed in great disgust, and said she didn't believe it was a flower at all, only a horrid toad-stool, and it had spoiled her gloves; she threw it indignantly into the dusty road."

There is no use, I might as well stop at one point as another. The interest does not stop, but extends all through the book. I hope you will have the pleasure of reading it for yourselves. It is beautifully bound in colors. The usual price is one dollar and twenty-five cents; but the P. S. members are offered it for seventy-five cents. I am sure you will agree with me that it is a very rare opportunity to secure a book by such an author, and of such size, full of interesting and instructive truth, for seventy-five cents. After you have read it carefully, I should like to hear from you, as to what you have learned that gave you special interest.

PANSY.

=SPECIAL INDUCEMENTS TO PARENTS!=

=NOW= IS THE TIME TO SUBSCRIBE FOR A MAGAZINE FOR YOUR CHILDREN,

IF YOU WISH TO SAVE MONEY.

=WIDE AWAKE= (send for full prospectus) is $3.00 a year.

=$5.00= will pay for WIDE AWAKE one year, beginning with either Dec., 1885, or June, 1886 (the first numbers of the volumes), and the 12 numbers of the previous year, thereby saving $1.00.

=$5.50= will pay for WIDE AWAKE for one year, beginning with either Dec., 1885, or June, 1886, and the 12 numbers of the previous year, elegantly bound in two volumes (price of the bound volumes $2.25 each), thereby saving $2.00.

=$2.00= will pay for THE PANSY for one year from Nov., 1885 (or current issue, if preferred), and the 12 numbers for 1885 bound in a handsome cloth cover, thereby saving 75 cents.

=$1.75= will pay for OUR LITTLE MEN AND WOMEN for one year from any date, and the year 1885 bound in a handsome cover, thereby saving 75 cents.

=$1.50= will pay for OUR LITTLE MEN AND WOMEN one year from any date, and the year 1885 in numbers, thereby saving 50 cents.

=$1.00= will pay for BABYLAND one year from any date, and the year 1885 bound in handsome chromo covers, thereby saving 25 cents.

Subscribers availing themselves of the above offers must send their orders with remittance direct to D. Lothrop & Co. The offers hold good only for subscriptions received =prior to August 1st, 1886=, and the full amount must be sent at one time. No premiums can be claimed in connection with any of these offers.

=D. LOTHROP & COMPANY, Publishers, Franklin and Hawley Sts., Boston.=

THE HOUSEHOLD LIBRARY.

$5.00 a Year, - - - - 50 cts. a Number.

The Choicest Works of Popular Authors, issued monthly.

A Special Inducement to all whose subscriptions are received before July 15th. =A handsome three-shelf Bookshelf= will be presented to each one whose yearly subscription is received before the above date. Any subscriber sending us one NEW yearly subscriber will receive the bookshelf as a premium. Express charges on the bookshelf to be paid by the receiver.

The works issued in this library are uniformly of a
high standard and may well come under that class of
literature styled "home fiction," a literature, that,
while free from the flashy, sensational effect of much
of the fiction of to-day, is, nevertheless, brilliant
in style, fresh and strong in action, and of absorbing
interest. It is a class that all the young folks, as
well as the fathers and mothers and older brothers and
sisters, may read with profit as well as great pleasure.

=1. THE PETTIBONE NAME, by Margaret Sidney=, author
of _The Five Little Peppers_, etc. It is a delightful
story of New England life and manners, sparkling in
style, bright and effective in incident, and of intense
interest. There has been no recent figure in American
fiction more clearly or skilfully drawn than Miss
Judith Pettibone. Most of the characters of the book
are such as may be met with in any New England village.

=2. MY GIRLS. By Lida A. Churchill.= A story of four
ambitious girls. Their struggles to realize their
ambitions and their trials and successes, make a story
of intense interest.

=3. WITHIN THE SHADOW, by Dorothy Holroyd.= "The
most successful book of the year." "The plot is
ingenious, yet not improbable, the character drawing
strong and vigorous, the story throughout one of
brilliancy and power." "The book cannot help making a
sensation."--_Boston Transcript._

=4. FAR FROM HOME.= From the German of Johannes
Van Derval. Translated by =Kathrine Hamilton=. A
fascinating story of life and travel in foreign lands.

=5. GRANDMOTHER NORMANDY. By the author of Silent
Tom.= The story is fascinatingly told. The character
of Grandmother Normandy, stern, relentless and
unforgiving, almost to the last, is strongly drawn, and
the author has shown much skill in the construction of
the story.

=6. AROUND THE RANCH. By Belle Kellogg Towne.= It is
original, fresh, and written with great naturalness and
power; its pathos is exquisitely touching. The opening
scenes are laid in the Colorado mining regions.

LOTHROP'S YOUNG FOLKS' LIBRARY.

Twelve numbers mailed on receipt of $2.75, if ordered before July 15th. The twenty-four volumes mailed on receipt of $5.00 if ordered before July 15th.

Nothing so good and cheap is anywhere to be found. Each
volume has 300 to 500 pages, clear type, illustrated.
Price 25 cents. Postpaid.

1. TIP LEWIS AND HIS LAMP, by Pansy.

2. MARGIE'S MISSION, by Marie Oliver.

3. KITTY KENT'S TROUBLES, by Julia A. Eastman.

4. MRS. HURD'S NIECE, by Ella Farman Pratt, Editor of "Wide Awake."

5. EVENING REST, by J. L. Pratt.

6. THE TRIPLE "E," by the author of "Yensie Walton."

7. SHINING HOURS, by a brilliant author.

8. THE OLD STONE HOUSE, by Anne March (Constance Fennimore Woolson).

9. BATTLES LOST AND WON, by George E. Merrill. A story of schoolboy
life.

10. THE JUDGE'S SONS, by Mrs. E. D. Kendall.

11. SHELL COVE, by Rev. Z. A. Mudge.

12. LUTE FALCONER, by the author of "Andy Luttrell." A story of
rare interest.

These twelve volumes constitute the first year's series.

The twelve volumes announced below constitute the
second year's series.

13. FABRICS, by the author of "Finished, or Not."

14. THE PRINCE AND THE PAGE, by Miss C. M. Yonge. A story of the
last Crusade.

15. MYRA SHERWOOD'S CROSS, AND HOW SHE BORE IT.

16. THIS ONE THING I DO, by Mrs. A. E. Porter.

17. SO AS BY FIRE, by Margaret Sidney.

18. OLD SCHOOLFELLOWS, AND WHAT BECAME OF THEM.

19. ROSE AND MILLIE, by the author of "Hester's Happy Summer."

20. VEIL ON THE HEART (The), by Miss L. L. Phelps.

21. THE NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE, by the author of "The New Commandment."

22. FROM NIGHT TO LIGHT, by E. E. Brown.

23. SURE; or, IT PAYS.

24. SISTER ELEANOR'S BROOD, by Mrs. S. B. Phelps.

PROSPECTUS--BABYLAND--FOR 1886.

The Magazine for the Babies, this coming year, in
addition to its bright pictures, and gay little
jingles, and sweet stories, will have some especial
delights for both Mamma and Baby.

THE MAGIC PEAR

will provide Twelve Entertainments of dainty jugglery
and funny sleight-of-hand for the nursery pencils.
This novelty is by the artist-humorist, M. J. Sweeney
("Boz").

ALL AROUND THE CLOCK

will give Baby Twelve tiny Lessons in Counting, each
with wee verses for little lips to say, and pictures
for bright eyes to see, to help the little mind to
remember.

LITTLE CRIB-CURTAINS

will give Mamma Twelve Sleepy-time Stories to tell when
the Babies go to cribs and cradles. In short, BABYLAND
the whole year will be the happiest, sweetest sort of a
home kindergarten.

_Beautiful and novel New Cover. Only Fifty Cents a year._

PROSPECTUS--OUR LITTLE MEN AND WOMEN--FOR 1886.

This magazine, for youngest readers, has earned golden
gratitude from teachers and parents this past year.
While its short stories and beautiful pictures have
made it welcome everywhere as a general Magazine for
Little Folks, its series of instructive articles have
rendered it of unrivalled value to educators. For 1886
several specialties have been prepared in accordance
with the suggestions of teachers who wish to start
their "little primaries" in the lines on which older
brothers and sisters are being taught. As a beginning
in American History, there will be twelve charming
chapters about

THE ADVENTURES OF COLUMBUS.

This story of the Great Discoverer, while historically
correct and valuable, will be perfectly adapted to
young minds and fitted to take hold upon a child's
attention and memory; many pictures.

LITTLE TALKS ABOUT INSECT LIFE

will interest the children in one branch of Natural
History; with anecdotes and pictures.

OUR COLORADO PETS

will describe wild creatures little known to children
in general. These twelve stories all are true, and are
full of life and adventure; each will be illustrated.

"ME AND MY DOLLS"

is a "cunning little serial story," written for
American children by the popular English author, Miss
L. T. Meade. It will have Twelve Full-page Pictures by
Margaret Johnson.

From time to time fresh "Stories about Favorite
Authors" will be given, so that teachers and friends
may have material for little literature lessons suited
to young children.

_Seventy-five Full-page Pictures. Only $1.00 a year._

PROSPECTUS--THE PANSY--FOR 1886.

For both week-day and Sunday reading, THE PANSY, edited
by "Pansy" herself, holds the first place in the hearts
of the children, and in the approval of earnest-minded
parents. Among the more interesting features for 1886
will be Pansy's serial story,

REACHING OUT,

being a further account of "Little Fishers: and their
Nets." The Golden Text Stories, under the title,
"Six O'clock in the Evening," will be told by a dear
old Grandma, who knows many interesting things about
what happened to herself when she was a little girl.
Margaret Sidney will furnish a charming story,

ST. GEORGE AND THE DRAGON,

to run through the year. Rev. C. M. Livingston will
tell stories of discoveries, inventions, books, people,
places. Faye Huntington will be a regular contributor
during the year. Pansy will take the readers with her
wherever she goes, in papers under the title of

WHERE I WENT, AND WHAT I SAW.

There will be, in each number, a selection from our
best standard poets suitable for recitation in school
or circle. From time to time colloquies for Mission
Bands, or for general school exercises, will appear.
There will be new and interesting books for the members
of the Pansy Society, and, as before, a generous space
will be devoted to answers to correspondents in the P.
S. Corner.

_Fully Illustrated. Only $1.00 a year._

=Address all orders to
D. LOTHROP & CO., Publishers, Franklin and Hawley Sts., Boston,
Mass.=

ALL THE BOYS AND GIRLS

WANT A ROGERS' SCROLL SAW.

Our latest Special Premium given to any subscriber sending us =SIX= NEW subscriptions to OUR LITTLE MEN AND WOMEN or THE PANSY (at $1.00 each); or for =FOUR= NEW subscriptions to OUR LITTLE MEN AND WOMEN or THE PANSY (at $1.00 each) _and $1.00 cash additional_; or for =TWO= NEW subscriptions to above magazines (at $1.00 each) _and $2.00 cash additional_.

(LIMITED TO JULY 1ST, 1886.)

_Two_ BABYLAND _subscriptions equivalent to one_ PANSY.

The entire framework is made from Iron, painted and
Japanned black, and ornamented with red and gilt
stripes.

All parts made to interchange.

1. The Bearings to the Arms are carefully sized to
bring them in perfect line. (This is a vital point in
the construction of any Jig Saw.)

2. Each machine is provided with a Dust Blower, which
is a very great advantage.

3. Our machine has a jointed Stretcher Rod, which
allows the operator to throw the upper arm out of the
way when adjusting his work or saw. This joint also
permits the machine to work much more freely than with
a straight iron rod.

4. Our clamps have a hinged jaw which overcomes the
disagreeable raking overthrow of the blade, which is
unavoidable when the saws are secured rigidly to the
arms. Saw blades are not nearly so liable to break when
clamps have this joint. Thus a large percentage of the
expense of running the saw is saved. Besides this the
saw runs much easier, the swing coming at the hinge
instead of bending the blade with each stroke of the
saw.

5. The Balance wheel is 4-1/4 inches in diameter, with
a handsome spoke centre and Rim of Solid Emery.

6. The attachment for Drilling is on the Right Hand
Side of the machine, which, for convenience, is an
obvious advantage.

7. No Pins are used in the construction of this
machine, as we prefer the durability of nicely fitted
screws and bolts in securing each part.

While the New Rogers' Saw is very rich, though not
gaudy in appearance, it has been more especially
our object to make, for the least possible money,
a saw characterized for its Compactness, Strength,
and durability, ease of action, and firmness when in
operation.

With each machine we give six Saw Blades, Wrench, Sheet
of Designs and three Drill Points. The Saw alone weighs
25 lbs.; Saw and Box together, 36 lbs.

Price of No. 2 Rogers' Saw, $4.00. This Saw is provided
with a polished Tilting Table, heavily nickel-plated.
=Receiver to pay express or freight charges.=

=D. LOTHROP & CO., Franklin and Hawley Sts., Boston.=

PROSPECTUS WIDE AWAKE 1886

A MOTHER, whose five children have read WIDE AWAKE in her company from its first number to its latest, writes: "_I like the magazine because it is full of Impulses. Another thing--when I lay it down, I feel as if I had been walking on breezy hill-tops_."

WIDE AWAKE was once said by a practical literary and business man, who is at home in both England and America, to have "_more ideas to the square inch_" than any other publication he knew. However this may be, the Management of the magazine can promise that WIDE AWAKE for 1886 will certainly be full of New Departures.

Scenes and situations wholly fresh in stories for young folks will render fascinating its

_SIX ILLUSTRATED SERIALS:_

I. A MIDSHIPMAN AT LARGE. II. THE CRUISE OF THE CASABIANCA.

Every boy who sailed in fancy the late exciting races
of the _Puritan_ and the _Genesta_, and all lovers of
sea stories, will enjoy these two stories of Newport
and Ocean Yachting, by REV. CHARLES R. TALBOT, author
of _Honor Bright_, _A Double Masquerade_, etc.

III. A GIRL AND A JEWEL.

MRS HARRIET PRESCOTT SPOFFORD, author of _The Amber
Gods_, etc., in this delicious White Mountain Romance,
contributes her first serial to a young folks' magazine.

IV. DILLY AND THE CAPTAIN. V. PEGGY, AND HER FAMILY.

MARGARET SIDNEY, author of the famous _Five Little
Peppers_, and the funny parrot story of _Polly_, writes
these two amusing Adventure Serials for Little Folks.
Thirty-six illustrations each.

VI. A Six Months Story (title to be announced),

By CHARLES EGBERT CRADDOCK, author of _Down The
Ravine_, _The Prophet of the Great Smoky Mountains_,
etc.

ROYAL GIRLS AND ROYAL COURTS.

By MRS JOHN SHERWOOD, author of _A Transplanted Rose_,
_Amenities of Home_, _Social Customs and Usages_, etc.
This series, especially valuable and instructive to
American girls, will begin in the Christmas number
and run through the year. Much of the romance woven
into the histories of reigning royal families, much
of the pageant attendant upon the girls "born in the
purple," will be described; but much more will be told
of that application to study, that strict obedience
to laws of hygiene, that mastery of complex and rigid
court etiquette, that severe control of personal
disposition and tastes, which underlies the culture
and graciousness of queens and princesses. From these
pages our girls who are to go abroad may incidentally
learn much of what they properly may or may not do in
European society. No lady is better equipped than Mrs.
Sherwood for preparing papers like these.

A CYCLE OF CHILDREN.

By ELBRIDGE S. BROOKS, author of _In Leisler's Times_,
etc. Illustrations by Howard Pyle. This set of twelve
historical stories celebrates twelve holidays dear to
young folks. The first six are:

=Master Sandy's Christmas Snapdragon.= _December_, 1550.
=Mistress Margery's New Year's Pin-Money.= _January_, 1500.
=Mr. Pepy's Valentine.= _February_, 1660.
=The Last of the Geraldines.= _March_, 1535.
=Diccon the Foot-boy and the Wise Fools of Gotham.= _April_, 1215.
=The Lady Octavia's Garland.= _May_, 184.

STORIES OF AMERICAN WARS.

Thrilling incidents which have occurred during our
various American warfares, the details of which have
never been in print, but have lived in family history,
old letters and records, will be brought to light in
these stories. The first six bear these titles:

The Light of Key Biscayne.
Joel Jackson's Smack.
A Revolutionary Turncoat.
How Daniel Abbott Outwitted the Indians.
In the Turtle Crawl.
The Boy-Soldiers of Cherry Valley.

_SPECIAL PREMIUM OFFERS._

EVERY BOY AND EVERY GIRL

CAN EARN A GOOD WATCH AND CHAIN.

The Waterbury Watch (and Chain) given for =Four New Subscriptions= to either THE PANSY or OUR LITTLE MEN AND WOMEN; or for =Two New Subscriptions= and $1.30 cash additional; or, given for one _new_ subscriber to WIDE AWAKE, and 65 cts. cash additional ($3.65 in all), if sent before August 1st, 1886. Two BABYLAND subscriptions will be equivalent to one PANSY subscription.

We make this special offer =only to present
subscribers= who send us =new= subscriptions. Full
rates must be paid for each subscription (no club rates
being allowed) and the order must be sent to us direct,
not through an agent. The subscriptions must be secured
between April 10th, 1886, and Aug. 1st, 1886. (Premium
credits not taken up cannot be used for this special
offer.)

The above amount includes postage. If the watch is to
be registered (and we do not assume responsibility of
safe delivery otherwise), 10 cents should be added.

The Waterbury Watch will be found a marvel of accuracy
and cheapness.

Accurate, because it will run 24 hours, and =keep time
equal to the better grade of watches=.

Cheap, because it will wear for years, and is offered
at a price within the reach of everybody.

Every watch is perfect before leaving the factory and
is tested a few days in our office before being sent
away.

The price of the watch is $3.50.

Remember, the Waterbury Watch, =is not a toy, but a
real watch=, having less than one half the number of
parts to be found in any other going watch in the
world. It is a stem winder.

Remittances may be made by Money Order, Draft, Bank
Check or American Express Money Order, at our risk.

D. LOTHROP AND COMPANY, Publishers, Franklin and Hawley Streets, Boston.

LAWN TENNIS RACQUET, No. 2.

Given for two new subscriptions to THE PANSY or OUR
LITTLE MEN AND WOMEN and 10 cts. cash additional Or,

Given for four new subscriptions to BABYLAND =and 10
cents cash additional=.

=TWO RACQUETS= will be given for one new subscription
to WIDE AWAKE =and 50 cts. cash additional=.

This is a good light Racquet, very suitable for the
boys and girls. It is well made, with maple or sweet
gum throat, and redwood handle. The handle is finished
with round corners.

Lawn tennis is fast becoming the most popular game in
this country, as it provides pleasant and healthful
outdoor exercise for both boys and girls. Price of the
Racquet, $1.75. Postage and packing 15 cents when sent
as a premium. More expensive Racquets will be furnished
at proportionate rates.

D. LOTHROP AND COMPANY, Publishers, Franklin and Hawley Streets, Boston.

YOUNG PEOPLE ATTENTION! VACATION IS COMING!!

Read the following extraordinary Premium Offers, and learn how to obtain, without expense, articles that will add greatly to your vacation pleasures.

READ CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

1. The premiums are given only to subscribers to any of
our magazines, with this exception: =ANY= person may
work for the premiums by sending one more subscriber to
any of the magazines than the premium calls for.

2. The full subscription price must be paid for each
subscription, as follows: WIDE AWAKE, $3.00; THE PANSY,
$1.00; OUR LITTLE MEN AND WOMEN, $1.00; BABYLAND, 50
cents.

=No premiums will be given to any person sending his
own name as a new subscriber; nor can his name count as
one of a club sent for premiums.=

3. Send your subscriptions as you get them. Always send
the payment for each subscription with the name.

4. You can send for a premium when you send us the
names of new subscribers, or you can complete your list
and then select your premiums, as you may prefer.

5. Those working for this special list of premiums can
have until August 1st., in which to complete their list.

6. =The premiums we offer are given FOR new
subscribers, NOT TO new subscribers.=

7. Two new subscriptions for six months will count as
one yearly subscription.

8. The names and =full subscription price= must be
sent to D. Lothrop & Co., and not through any agent or
Subscription Agency.

9. The volumes of the magazines begin as follows: WIDE
AWAKE, with the December and June numbers; THE PANSY,
with the November number; OUR LITTLE MEN AND WOMEN,
with the January number; BABYLAND, with the January
number.

Always specify the date you wish the subscriptions to
begin with. Subscriptions may begin with any number.

GUNS FOR THE BOYS.

The Guns described below are all especially adapted
to "Fourth of July" sports, from the fact that with
them torpedos can be thrown with great accuracy and,
exploding as they strike, make a very loud report. What
is known as the small "American" torpedo is the best.

These Guns are especially suitable for drilling
purposes. Any boy will find it a very easy matter to
secure enough subscriptions to earn the guns that may
be needed for his company.

"DOCTOR CARVER" GUN.

Given for one new subscription to THE PANSY or
OUR LITTLE MEN AND WOMEN; or, given for one new
subscription to BABYLAND and =20 cents cash additional=.