"We are destitute, sir, and I have no means of support," said the mother with a sigh. "No means of support! Nonsense! With a boy in the house who can cut figures like that, do you say you have no means of support?" exclaimed Mr. Mason. "Good woman, I will insure your boy good wages every week for the next year, if you will let him come between school-hours, and cut pictures under my direction." The rest of my little story may soon be told. Ernest became the staff and stay of his family. The little talent he had cultivated so carefully and diligently was the means of giving him not only an honest employment, but a liberal support. He rose to distinction; and his productions were much sought after by all good judges of art. EMILY CARTER. [Illustration: ST. CATHERINE'S ROCK, SOUTH WALES.] IN THE WINTER. [Illustration] THERE are some nice apples in the cellar, and William is going down with a light to get a dish full. He will pick out some that are as yellow as gold, and some that are as red as a rose. [Illustration] This man is cutting a hole through the ice, so that the cows may drink. The stream is all frozen over. When the thick ice is broken, they can drink all they want. Walk up, old Brindle, and help yourself. [Illustration] Here are the fowls, and each stands on one leg. The ground is covered with snow, and their toes are very cold. So they all hold their feet under their feathers, to keep them warm. [Illustration] The old gray cat comes in the morning, and jumps up on the children's bed. Then she creeps towards them, and rubs her soft fur on the little boy's face, and wakes him up. She would like to say, "Good morning!" but she only says, "Mew, mew!" W. O. C. [Illustration] MY LITTLE SISTER. GOOD folks who read "The Nursery," this is my little sister; The picture shows you truly how I caught her up, and kissed her: She is so sweet, so very sweet, that I am quite decided If you could see her as she is you would do just as I did. BROTHER CARLOS. A LETTER TO MINNIE. The following is an exact copy of a letter found in little Minnie's stocking last Christmas:-- SITTING ROOM, AT MAMMA'S DESK. MY DEAR LITTLE MINNIE. You must excuse my calling you by your pet name; but you see I'm so fond of all good children that I can't _Master_ and _Miss_ them, and they're all Tommie, and Johnnie, and Fannie, and Minnie, to me. Your stocking is so small that I can't put much of any thing into it: but if that piano, with the nice white cloth on it, isn't for presents, then I'm mistaken.