IT is a cold day in February. The icicles hang from the trees. The pond is partly frozen over. Mary and her dog Pug have come down to take a look at the swans. The swans are often fed by girls and boys in the summer; but in winter they have few visitors: so they are glad to see Mary, and waddle up on the ice to meet her. She feeds them with something that looks to me like a banana, and they eat it greedily. Pug looks on fiercely, as though he did not quite approve of their doings, and had half a mind to interfere. [Illustration] Take care, Pug: you had better keep in the background. A blow from a swan's wing would not be good fun to a small dog. Let the swans eat their luncheon in peace. IDA FAY. TWO FRIENDS. JANE and Ann were good friends, but one morning they had a quarrel. They soon made it up. Jane put her arms round Ann's neck, and said, "I am sorry." Ann gave her a kiss, and they were friends again. [Illustration] Here you see them taking a walk. They have on good warm coats, for it is a very cold day. Just see how lovingly they clasp each other. They are having a nice little chat. I wonder what they are saying. [Illustration] A. B. C. [Illustration: BIRD, LAMB, BABY.] THERE was a wee bird that would not sleep, Though twilight was falling hushed and deep, And what did its mother do? She sang it the song it loved the best, She folded it softly in the nest, And then, ere that mother knew, Her birdie had gone to sleep. [Illustration] There was a wee lamb that still would play, Though others were resting, after day, And what did its mother do? She called it so gently to her side, She soothed it with loving care and pride, And then, ere that mother knew, Her lambkin had gone to sleep. There was a wee babe that would not rest, Though crimson and purple crowned the west, And what did its mother do? She made this wee song of lamb and bird, She sang it so softly, every word, And then, ere that mother knew, Her darling had gone to sleep. GEORGE COOPER. [Illustration] THE SWALLOWS' NEST. CHARLEY came from school one Friday afternoon. He was going home with his grandfather, at whose house he was to spend the next day. It was the month of May; and the drive of ten miles among the green trees and fields was very delightful. There were no playmates for Charley at grandpa's; but with a calf at the barn, several broods of chickens, and four kittens, he found enough to occupy his mind. He was up very early in the morning, and it was after ten o'clock when he came into the kitchen rather hungry. [Illustration]