Mr. Topliff said, "You can earn a living by this kind of work, if you choose, Edwin." But no! Edwin had made up his mind to go to college; and so he replied, "If I can pay my college expenses by working at odd hours, Mr. Topliff, I mean to do it--and I think I can." "So do I," said Mr. Topliff. "You've got the knack. Well, my lad, don't forget the firm of Topliff & Co. Bring us all your pretty things." UNCLE CHARLES. [Illustration] THE PETITION OF THE SPARROWS. NOW girls and boys of Chester Square, Pray give us of your meals a share. Just have the kindness to remember That this is chilly, bleak December; That snow has covered long the ground Till really nothing's to be found: So throw us out a crumb or two, And, as you would be done by, do. In those snug little cottages That you have placed among the trees, We all were hatched, and so, you see, Are members of the family. Hunger and frost are hard to bear: So, girls and boys of Chester Square, Just throw us out a crumb or two, And, as you would be done by, do. We know bad things of us are told: They call us English upstarts bold; Say we drive off the snow-birds dear, And fight the Yankee sparrows here; That we make havoc in the spring With all the sweet-pea's blossoming: Still throw us out a crumb or two, And, as you would be done by, do. We're not as bad as they declare, O girls and boys of Chester Square! Be sure some little good we do, Even though we pilfer buds a few. Don't grudge them, since your trees we clear Of vermin that would cost you dear: So throw us out a crumb or two, And, as you would be done by, do. Dear girls and boys of Chester Square, We, too, partake the Father's care; And to your kindly hearts he sends The impulse that our race befriends: We know that you, while Winter reigns, For our relief will take some pains; Will throw us out a crumb or two, And, as you would be done by, do. EMILY CARTER. [Illustration] MY DOG JACK. I WANT to tell the readers of "The Nursery" about my dog. My mamma bought him for me when he was very young. He is a Newfoundland dog, and is very large. He is black, with a white face and neck. His name is Jack. Jack is very useful in keeping tramps out of our orchard, and is also very kind and playful. I do not like to play with him; for he is so rough, that he sometimes tumbles me over, and hurts me: but I have a good time with him in other ways.