Among the fishes of the ocean that show a decided affection for their young, should be mentioned the curious _Cyclopterus lumpus_--the lump-fish, or "hen and chickens," so common upon the coast of Maine. The name "lump-fish" expresses the general appearance of this fish far better than a long description could, as the creature's body is covered with curious lumps and excrescences that add to the peculiarity of its appearance. The lump-fish is equally common on the English coast, and as the time for rearing a family approaches, it constructs from the sea-weed a rude nest for the protection of the eggs. These the watchful parents guard, their ugly forms, probably, having a decided effect upon all intruders, though, in truth, the lump-fishes are utterly incapable of harming any enemy, and, with their clumsy movements, are unable to catch other fishes in a chase. As soon as the young are hatched, they follow one of the parent-fishes, in a drove or herd, clustering about its head, now darting off, returning with a rush and cuddling under it, after the manner of small chickens seeking refuge under their mother's wings; hence the name of "hen and chickens" bestowed upon them by the English fishermen. Though the lump-fishes are poor swimmers, and likely, if hurled among the breakers, to be thrown upon the shore, nature has provided them with ample means of protection. The lower fins join in such a way as to form a complete sucker, so that when in danger of being knocked about by the waves, the fish has merely to settle upon a rock, fasten its sucker-like fins to this, and ride out the gale or season of danger like a ship at anchor on a lee shore. A PUZZLED PAPA. BY M. L. B. BRANCH. We're going this year to Littleton, My wife, our Jack, and Nan and I. Now Nan is seven, and Jack is ten; How many tickets shall I buy? Jack pays half-fare, and Nan pays none, Though with her dolls she fills a seat; However stern conductors are, They give her only glances sweet. But this year, Nan her kitten takes, A little, purring, playful thing; While Jacky has a grave young pug, Which everywhere he's bound to bring. Nan has a long-legged Brahma chick,-- She loves that pet with all her heart; And Jacky owns three pretty doves, From which he can not bear to part. "In cage and basket," say the two, "Well covered up, our pets can go." They have no doubts; but I have mine,-- And this is what I want to know: If the cat mews, the puppy barks, And if the doves at once all coo, And if the Brahma chicken crows, As the conductor passes through, What will he say? How will he look? What shall I do, in my despair? Can I, for such a tribe, hand up Our tickets two, and one half-fare? We're going this year to Littleton, My wife, our Jack, and Nan and I, Dog, cat, three dolls, three doves, a chick-- How many tickets shall I buy? THE WILD FLOWERS. BY JESSIE PENNIMAN.