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MY PRETTY SCRAP-BOOK;

Or,

Picture Pages And Pleasant Stories For Little Readers.

By Mrs. George Cupples,

London:

T. Nelson And Sons

1874

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[Illustration: 0006]

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MY PRETTY SCRAP-BOOK.

[Illustration: 0013]

|It is Dick's birth-day, and his mamma has very wisely bought "My Pretty
Scrap-Book" for him as a present. Should you like to see what is in
it? Very well, then; stand by my side while I turn over the leaves
carefully.




FUNNY UNCLE TOBY.

[Illustration: 0014]

|Ha! ha! ha! do wait till I hold my sides! What a funny fellow! Are they
pulling out his teeth, or his tongue? It is a shame to tickle his poor
nose all the time, and to play such pranks with his fine wig. But he is
watching, slyly, to catch one between his finger and thumb.




NAUGHTY JUDY.

[Illustration: 0015]

|Oh, how naughty of Judy, to take advantage of her mistress being
asleep. She is trying on some of Miss Eva's fine clothes; and see, she
has found her best fan, and as it has a neat little looking-glass in the
handle, she can see her black face in it. What a start she would get if
her mistress were to open her eyes suddenly! But cunning Judy knows that
as long as the heat is so great, Miss Eva will sleep on; that is to say,
if a mosquito do not alight on her cheek.




THE LITTLE GLEANER.

[Illustration: 0016]

|Here is a scene in our own country,--a little girl gleaning. It is a
very warm day, too; but no doubt her parents are poor, and she is
forced to work, no matter how warm it is. She must be well known to the
reapers; for few people are allowed to glean till after the corn has
been all housed.




CAUGHT IN THE RAIN.

[Illustration: 00117]

|No wonder they are in a hurry. The rain coming down very fast; and
the clouds are so black, they are afraid there may be thunder. I rather
think they must have heard one distant peal already, they look so
frightened--especially the boy. Theirs is certainly a very funny
umbrella; but not a bad way to do if you are caught in a shower, and
wish to save your fine feathers, if you have any. Perhaps the little boy
has put his cap into his pocket, because he hasn't got one on his head.
But I can't help wishing he had been on the outside, so that his sister
might have been more sheltered. He should have been more polite.




IN THE BAY OF BISCAY.

[Illustration: 0018]

|You will be thinking already that I have a variety of pictures in my
Scrap-Book; and so I have. Here is one of a ship in the Bay of Biscay.
It is a fine ship, and it is doing its best to make its way through the
heavy sea. I fear there has been a wreck, for you see there is a
piece of a mast standing out of the water, and a barrel and a hen-coop
floating beside it. If the people see it from the ship, it must make
them shudder.




A FRIGHTENED KING.

[Illustration: 0019]

|Ride a cock-horse to Banbury Cross." The idea of a king being afraid!
Just look at him! Would you be afraid if you had a rocking-horse like
this, with such a splendid tail, too? No, of course not. A king ought
never to be frightened at anything, especially when he has his crown on,
and his pig-tail tied up so nicely. The horse seems to be quite ashamed
of him.




THE RUINED TOWER.

[Illustration: 0020]

|I have put this picture in that you may make a drawing of it. It would
be a nice present to give to mamma, you know, especially if you coloured
it. If you do, I hope you will be particular with the cow, she is such a
sleek, pretty, dun-coloured one.




WATCHING CRABS.

[Illustration: 0021]

|Out at the sea-side! Here are two young folk out on the rocks looking
for shells and sea-weeds. The girl must be lame, for you can see she has
a crutch with her. That must be her brother; and I feel sure she loves
him very much indeed, for see how she is laying her hand on his head.
I am certain he helps her very tenderly over the rough and wet places;
very likely he carries her on his back. I do hope they notice that the
tide is rising, because it would be a sad thing for them to be caught by
the water. They do look rather sleepy about it, and are too intent upon
watching a funny crab.




"UP IN A BALLOON, BOYS."

[Illustration: 0022]

|Up in a balloon, boys, up in a balloon!" Well, I don't think it has
been the donkey's fault that he is here; and he looks very much as if he
were saying, "I'm quite willing to gallop along, but I should just very
much like to know where I'm to gallop to; and as for the clouds, no
doubt they are very pretty in their way, but how can I eat them? I'd
much rather have an old stunted thistle--I really should indeed."
It would serve the rider right if the donkey were to jump out of the
balloon. I don't think he'd be so merry then with his "Gee up, Teddy!"




OUR PRETTY BABY

[Illustration: 0023]

|Now, I do call this a pretty picture. Here is an honest farmer's-man.
He has come home from his hard day's work in the fields; and, after his
supper, he takes his seat by the door to play with his baby.




AMONG THE MOUNTAINS.

[Illustration: 0024]

|Here is a picture of a lake among the mountains, and a very pretty
place it seems to be. How nice it would be to have a sail in that little
boat! The wind is sending it along in fine style. I think you would
rather be there than among the people who are toiling up the steep
mountain-path with the baskets on their backs. Yet I must say the girls
seem content and happy, even though their work is hard and humble.




GENEROUS TOMMY.

[Illustration: 0025]

|Ah, here is a generous fellow. That is what you do, isn't it, when
anything nice has been given to you? What large pieces he is cutting
off, too! I hope he will have enough of cake left to go over them all
and leave a portion for himself. No wonder his companions are waving
their caps and shouting "Hurrah!"




"HOLD FIRM, PLEASE."

[Illustration: 0026]

|They have got a pretty pair of pigeons in that basket, I feel certain.
Mary is taking very great care of the cage, holding it as firmly as she
possibly can till Henry gets down from among the rafters of the shed.




HUNTING KANGAROOS.

[Illustration: 0027]

|What funny animals! Yes; they are kangaroos. Do you notice that their
fore feet are much shorter than their hind ones? Poor things, they
cannot run like the dog. And yet they are not to be pitied exactly,
because they can jump ever so far, and by this means they get along at
a great speed. The mamma kangaroo has a pouch, and she puts her little
young one into it, and jumps away with it hidden quite snugly.




NAUGHTY FOX.

[Illustration: 0028]

|Here is rather a sad picture. Two poor men have been wrecked on a
desert island. They have managed, however, to put up a tent, and to
hoist an old tattered flag for a signal to passing vessels. They have
certainly been making the most of it, and trying to be as content
as possible; but when they were least expecting it, a sly fox comes
stealing along and runs off with the only chicken they were able to
save. It is really too bad of Reynard, for he might have been content
with the sea-birds. Oh, but look! one of the men is getting ready his
gun, and I rather think that the sly fox will be shot.




IN THE VINEYARDS

[Illustration: 0029]

|What lovely ripe grapes! These young folk are carrying them away to
make wine of them. It is rather a pity to think the great presses will
squeeze them into a mash; but then we couldn't get any wine to drink if
they weren't squeezed. The girls don't seem to be eating any of them;
but perhaps they have been told not to do so.




THE LIFE-BOAT.

[Illustration: 0030]

|Here has been a wreck in real earnest; but the crew seem to have been
all saved by the gallant life-boat. One might think, to look at the
heaving sea, that the poor boat would never be able to reach the ship.
The man on board is doing his best to direct them, by pointing out how
to steer; and he has a rope ready to fling to them.




MASTER CROSSPATCH.

[Illustration: 0031]

|Now, did you ever see such a sulky face? It is quite shocking! I think
we ought to call him Master Crosspatch. He surely must be the very
husband of Crosspatch, to whom we say, "Draw the latch, sit at your door
and spin and whom we advise to "Take a cup, and drink it up, and call
your neighbours in!" If poor Crosspatch's husband is like this, perhaps
that is why she cannot be so kind as she would like, and why her temper
has been soured; for I am sure such a face is quite enough to turn the
sweetest cream into a curd.




AT THE CLEAR SPRING.

[Illustration: 0032]

|Oh, how pretty and how cool the water is! The dog is thinking so, at
any rate, and is cooling his hot tongue in the clear stream. He would
like to get into it altogether, I daresay, but it is not deep enough.
His mistress is pouring all the water out again; perhaps because she
fancies her dog's tongue has dirtied it. Well, it certainly would have
been better if he had gone to the other side; only he couldn't know,
being a dog.




FORSAKEN DOLLIE.

[Illustration: 0033]

|How do you like this picture? These girls seem to be enjoying
themselves very much indeed. Not all of them, though; for poor Miss
Dollie is sitting all alone, no one taking any notice of her, and so she
feels very lonely indeed. Poor Dollie! what does she care for the fine
new-fairy-tale book, or the story Clara is reading aloud?




THE GOOD-NATURED FALCON.

[Illustration: 0034]

|This is a falcon, and he seems to be a very tame one. That is the
falconer's little daughter, and she is talking to the great bird. He
appears to be listening very attentively to what she is saying. What
can she be saying? Perhaps she is asking him not to touch any of her
pet birds; because she has ever so many robins and wrens and finches she
likes to feed every morning; and she is asking the falcon not to do
them any harm. I don't think she has much to fear; he seems to be such
a good-natured bird. I only hope the boys in the village will be half as
kind.




MEDDLESOME MATTY.

[Illustration: 0035]

|Oh, fie, fie for shame, Miss Meddlesome Matty! We all know _you_ the
moment we see you; and we know about how you "lift the tea-pot lid, to
peep at what is in it," the moment your grandmother turns her back. Ah!
you often get into disgrace with your naughty tricks.




GARDENING.

[Illustration: 0036]

|Are you fond of gardening? If so, you will like to see this picture in
my Scrap-Book. See how very industrious the little girl and boy are; and
how attentive they are to the wants of the flowers, watering them after
the sun is down.




A NARROW ESCAPE.

[Illustration: 0037]

|Oh dear! what is this? A poor man has been bathing, and here is a great
shark trying to swallow him. Oh, what a good thing his companions were
close at hand, and that they are so brave! See! one of them is striking
his long spear right into the shark's back; while another has got hold
of their poor ship-mate, and is dragging him out of the shark's very
mouth! The man must be very much hurt. If he has any children, how sorry
they will be to hear of it.




MISS DOLLIE'S VILLAGE.

[Illustration: 0038]

|Ah! I thought you would all like to see this. Here is a whole
doll-village, church and all. Perhaps the boys don't care about seeing
it; but then we must always be polite, and put in pictures to suit the
girls. Well, I am sure the dolls who own all these fine houses must be
very happy dolls indeed; and the little girl who owns the dolls, and, of
course, the houses and the trees and the church into the bargain, must
be the very happiest little girl in the world. She surely never cries,
and is always good, and is a pattern to all her friends. Shouldn't you
like to know her, and be invited, along with your own dolls, to pay her
a visit?




THE SLY KING.

[Illustration: 0039]

|I suppose the boys will like this one better. Here is the king once
more, so glad to find himself on a chair instead of on horseback. He is
telling the master of the doll-house all about it, and of how nobly he
rode the animal, though it tried its best to throw him off. Oh, what a
sly fellow! when we know what a coward he really is. The doll, who is
the master of the doll-house, seems to be listening most attentively,
and is glad to hear that the king has made such a lucky escape.




A HIGHLAND SOLDIER.

[Illustration: 0040]

|Here is the picture of a Highland soldier. He is bidding farewell
to his wife and little baby, because he is going away to the wars. No
wonder his wife is sorry, for she may never see him again.




A POOR LITTLE ORPHAN.

[Illustration: 0041]

|Here is a picture of a little girl whose mother is a widow. She is
looking round at the other children, and longing to be allowed to join
them in their sports; but her mother is so sad that she can think of
nothing else but her sorrow. Poor little orphan girl.




TWO WILD PARROTS.

[Illustration: 0042]

|Here are a pair of parrots. They are out in the woods in their native
state, and how they do screech and chatter. One has a green breast, with
a mottled green and black back, with lovely blue feathers in its wings,
and two long red ones in its tail; the other has a red breast and a red
head, and, though very different, is quite as pretty. Of course, when
they are at home in the woods, they cannot say, "Pretty Polly," or speak
at all; it is only when they are caught and tamed that they become so
clever. Only, I think they like being wild best. They can search for the
food they like, and are free as the air.




MAMMA AND BABY.

[Illustration: 0043]

|Here is a picture of mamma and baby. Mamma is sitting in the arbour.
Baby is sound asleep; which is a good thing, for mamma can now rest and
sit quietly thinking about what she should do for her little darling.




PEARL FISHERS.

[Illustration: 0044]

|Here is a picture of two pearl-fishers. They are offering some pearls
for sale to an officer; but perhaps he is too poor to buy them, or he
does not require such fine things; because he seems to be refusing to
have them.




MRS. TAFFY.

[Illustration: 0045]

|This is Mrs. Taffy, and it is plain she has just heard that her son has
stolen the leg of beef. Oh, how stern she does look, to be sure! Taffy
will surely never be so foolish and naughty again, and will turn his
eyes away the moment he sees a leg of beef or a marrow bone. I know, if
my mother looked like that at me, I should be ready to sink down with
terror and dismay.




A CHRISTMAS TREE.

[Illustration: 0046]

|Oh, what a lovely Christmas tree! Do not you wish you were of the
company? or that Christmas would bring you just such another? How it
must sparkle and shine with so many candles and coloured balls! This
tree is in Germany; and do you notice all the toys and pretty presents?




SHOOTING THE RAPIDS.

[Illustration: 0047]

|Here is a little boat, or a canoe rather, shooting the rapids. The
people don't seem to be the least afraid; for, see! there is a man in
the front waving his handkerchief to some of their friends on the shore.
The men behind are looking a little anxious, I think,--and well they
may.




FUNCHAL.

[Illustration: 0048]

|This place is called Funchal, in the island of Madeira. When you are
older you will read all about it. Those high peaks you see are the tops
of very high hills. They sometimes open and throw up fire and smoke and
rocks and ashes. The people are not afraid to live here for all that,
and have some of their houses built on the very rocks which have been
thrown up! The people make wine here, and the ships take it away.




FALLEN FROM THE ROCKS.

[Illustration: 0049]

|Here is a terrible sight! A gentleman has been walking among some steep
mountains, and has fallen over the rocks, and lies quite insensible.




LITTLE MARY.

[Illustration: 0050]

|I think this is a very pretty picture. Here is little Mary in her
garden, taking a walk among her flowers. The gay painted butterflies
like to go there, because Mary has so many sweet flowers. They like to
flutter from one to another; indeed, they need not go to any other, for
here they are sure to find all they could wish. But then a butterfly is
so idle and likes to roam, and flits away from Mary's garden out into
the common and the fields, and here, there, and everywhere. The busy
bees are more sensible: they keep to the roses and the honeysuckle;
and as for the sweet-peas, there never were such sweet-peas as little
Mary's.




AT THE FAIR.

[Illustration: 0051]

|Oh, do look at this picture in my Scrap-Book--such fun! It is
market-day, and all the showmen have arrived. All sorts of wonderful
sights are to be seen inside if you will but walk in. "A fat woman!"
"a learned pig!" and "a giant with a tail!" And if you could only hear
the music, it would nearly make you deaf. Bang, bang, bang, goes the
drum at both ends. He must be a great musician, for he is playing on
another instrument at the same time.




PREPARING FOR BATTLE.

[Illustration: 0052]

|Such a gathering of canoes! It must be a great battle that is going to
take place! All the fight-ing-men are ready with their bows and spears;
while their chiefs are standing up in each canoe, telling them how they
are to fight. No doubt the enemy is making ready too; and they will
indeed require to be careful, for here is the king himself, in the
largest canoe, sitting on a chair of state. He is a very big man, and
has his club ready.




A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT.

[Illustration: 0053]

|An accident has happened to this poor woman's husband. He must have
fallen from the rocks, like the traveller we saw. See! that is his poor
mother looking out of the window.




LOVING SISTERS.

[Illustration: 0054]

|Oh! here is a loving little pair! We like to see this, don't we? Little
Kate and Maggie love each other dearly. They know that the "birds in
their little nests agree," and of course that it would be quite shameful
if they were not even more loving than the birds. Maggie must
be saying,--"Oh! I do love you, my dear, good Kate;" and Kate is
saying,--"And I love you, Maggie, you kind little dear." How they would
look if we were to tell them that ever so many little boys and girls we
know quarrel and fight; and instead of kissing each other, scratch and
push each other down! They would scarcely believe us. They would think
we were joking, and wanted to make fun of them.




"THE DOG RAN AWAY WITH THE SPOON."

[Illustration: 0055]

|Of course you know the rhyme about the cat and the fiddle; and how the
cow took such a wonderful jump, and went clean over the moon; and how
the dog was so amused to see the fine sport; and the dish it ran after
the spoon. But look here! The little dog was quicker than the dish; for
he has got the spoon himself, and seems as if he meant to keep it. He
is telling Miss Pussy that of course such a fine gentleman cannot be
expected to do without a spoon when he has his fine coat on.




DOWN COMES POOR DOGGIE.

[Illustration: 0056]

|Oh! now isn't this too bad? Miss Puss is such a cunning creature! She
had a fancy for the spoon herself; and when the little dog was busy
telling her how cleverly he had stolen the spoon from the dish, what did
she do but give the little dog a great push, when down he fell off
his stool, and away she scampered with the spoon herself! Oh! what a
cunning, naughty cat! She had better run fast; for the dog has caught
sight of his mistress' stick, and will be after her directly.




"WHAT'S THE MATTER?"

[Illustration: 0057]

|What is the matter?" Ah! here comes Miss Mabel's papa to inquire the
cause of the angry words. Nurse has been nearly driven stupid, and does
not know what to do; for her young mistress has pulled the clothes they
were packing out of the box, and will not allow her to touch them.




THE BARN YARD.

[Illustration: 0058]

|This is a very different picture indeed. This must be a very gentle
girl; for see how all the pigeons and poultry of all kinds are flocking
around her to get their breakfast.




GOOD NEWS.

[Illustration: 0059]

|You would laugh if you knew why these black savages are looking so
surprised. It is at sight of the white men! They never had seen such
people before. Some of their friends had, and had got pieces of cloth
from them, which they are wearing now; but this company had never seen
a white man. They are holding out their hands to them, and showing by
signs that they are glad to see them. The white men are missionaries,
sent from this country to tell them about God sending his Son into the
world to die for sinners.




BIRD-NESTING.

[Illustration: 0060]

|I REALLY think this is a very unsafe place to be in; but Dick Hardy
is a very daring boy indeed, and he is trying to get at the sea-birds'
nests, and quite forgets that he may fall.




THE BRAVE LITTLE RAT.

[Illustration: 0061]

|Oh dear, what a sad sight! Though I can't say I like rats, I do hope
this one will escape, it seems so brave. I rather fear it will never
be able to get away, for if it escape from the strong bill of the bird,
puss is ready with her paw to pounce upon it.




A CHINESE FAMILY.

[Illustration: 0062]

|Here is a group of Chinese; and don't they look funny? Did you ever see
a more comical-looking figure than that little Chinese boy? It is a pity
he can't turn his head round to let us see if he has a long queue,
or pig-tail, as the long plaited hair behind is called. And isn't it
strange to see the woman carrying her baby in a sack on her back, and
smoking a pipe like a man--with a staff in her hand, too? That must be
the father sitting beside the little boy; and a very fine pig-tail
he has of his own. The lady is feeling rather hungry, and so she has
brought out her dish of rice. She has no spoon, but uses a little stick
instead.




DAME HUBBARD.

[Illustration: 0063]

|This must be Dame Hubbard; and though she has got her cloak and hat
off, and is in her own room, she does not look particularly at rest or
happy. What can the naughty dog be doing now? Really it is too bad
of him to give his kind mistress no peace. See how she seems to be
straining her ears to listen if he is quiet and asleep in his cozy
basket.




TURNING THE SPINNING-WHEEL.

[Illustration: 0064]

|Ah! no wonder Dame Hubbard got a start. Here is her naughty dog turning
round her spinning-wheel. He seems delighted to see it turn round, and
to hear its pleasant whirr; but I am afraid he will be causing some
sad mischief to the fine flax his mistress is spinning. He ought to be
punished, for the good dame takes such care of him. Just look at the
splendid coat she made him, and the fine shoes she bought at the market.




THE ALPS.

[Illustration: 0065]

|How should you like to live up here? If you like snow you would have
it in plenty. This is a portion of the Alps. On their heights snow is
always to be found.

But where they approach the open, level country, which is much warmer,
they are often crowned with large forests. Vast masses of ice and snow
often separate from the mountains, and rolling down, overturn everything
in their course, and sometimes cause great loss of life.




LOST IN THE SNOW.

[Illustration: 0066]

|Here is a very sad picture. A poor man has been sent to carry home
a large hamper; but he has lost his way, and, having fallen down with
fatigue, he has dropped asleep. His faithful dog is watching him; but
the snow will soon cover him. Oh, here comes a man on horseback to his
rescue.




OUR BABY.

[Illustration: 0067]

|Ah! here is little baby in her cradle. She has just awaked out of her
forenoon sleep, and she thought at first she was all alone, and began
to be afraid; but sister Mary was not far off, and hearing the gentle
rustle and the half sob, hastened forward just in time to stop the tears
from coming. "And was baby frightened?" That is what she would be sure
to say. And baby would laugh, and because she can't say a single word
yet, not even ma nor pa, of course she would reply by a goo-oo-oo; at
any rate, she looks as if she would like to pull her kind sister's face
down to kiss it, if she only knew how.




THE EWE AND THE LAMB.

[Illustration: 0068]

|Here is another kind of baby--a little lamb. I can't help thinking this
lamb has been a little bit naughty, and has been straying away from its
mother, dancing and frisking about with ever so many other lambkins at
the other side of the meadow. "How do you know that?" somebody may ask
me. Well, I can see that Mrs. Mother Sheep looks a little stern, and
cross, and anxious; but now that her lamb has come back to gladden her
old nose--for I suppose you know Mother Sheep knows her lamb by smelling
it, not by seeing it--she doesn't intend to say very much about it,
after having given a very loud baa-a-aa.




A NICE SECRET.

[Illustration: 0069]

|"I'll tell you a secret." That is what this little girl's mamma is
whispering to her. The secret is, that if she will try to be a very good
girl, she shall be taken out with her in the afternoon.




PITY THE BLIND.

[Illustration: 0070]

|Here is a poor blind man, and his dog Toby. He has to stand here all
day, asking alms of the passers-by, because he cannot work. He does not
like to be shut up in a work-house, because he was once a sailor, and
served his country faithfully; so spare him a copper, please.




HOMEWARD BOUND.

[Illustration: 0071]

|Here are some very jolly-looking sailors. They are on their homeward
voyage, and are bringing a gay bird of paradise. They seem to be very
fond of it, and pleased that it has become so tame.




DR. BLACK'S PATIENT.

[Illustration: 0072]

|Oh! isn't this comical? Here is a long, thin fellow, who is so annoyed
because he is so much taller than his friends, that he goes to Dr. Black
to see if he can give him anything to fill up his very long legs, and
make him grow shorter. "Oh yes," says Dr. Black, putting his hands
behind his back; and he calls in his assistant to ask what he thinks
upon the subject His opinion is, that the fellow is ridiculously too
long; and he at once pulls out a pair of scissors, and begins to snip
off a piece of his legs! Just look at the tall fellow's face; see how he
is going to roar out!




CAPE HORN.

[Illustration: 0073]

|Here is a picture of a fine ship on its way home round Cape Horn. It
is a very cold part of the sea, and ships often pass great icebergs
floating about, and the sailors are very much afraid of them. The birds
you see flying about are the great albatrosses. When their wings are
spread out, they measure fourteen feet sometimes. You may see the width
by measuring that out on the nursery floor.




THE HAPPY SHEPHERD-BOY.

[Illustration: 0074]

|A very merry fellow is this; and such a pretty picture altogether! This
little shepherd-boy comes out in the morning, carrying his long crook,
and with his bottle of milk slung round his waist. He carries his
breakfast and dinner in his wallet on his back; and, followed by his
good, clever dog, away he goes to look after his master's flocks. When
he has got them all gathered together, he takes out his little flageolet
and plays a tune. His dog lies down at his feet to listen; for he is
almost as fond of music as his master.




A NEW ZEALAND CHIEF.

[Illustration: 0075]

|Who is this fierce-looking man? A New Zealander. He has got all sorts
of strange patterns traced out on his skin; that is, he is tattooed.
He has tried to make himself as ugly as possible; but he thinks himself
very beautiful. New Zealanders used to be cannibals; but they are not so
now. Many of them are Christians; and some of them keep the Sabbath even
more strictly than we do in some parts of Great Britain, putting away
their pretty flaxen mats and bags, and all their week-day work, till the
Monday.




A SNAKE! A SNAKE!

[Illustration: 0076]

|Here is a picture of a scene in Jamaica. These two black fellows have
been out in the woods, and they suddenly see a snake wriggling itself
away through the thick bushes. One has got such a fright, that he has
dropped his axe; but the other is springing forward to kill it before it
bites.




DANCING THE POLKA.

[Illustration: 0077]

|Oh dear, look here! Ha! ha! ha! Old Mother Hubbard must have forgiven
her naughty dog for spoiling her spinning-wheel. We know what a cunning
fellow he is, and we are not at all surprised that he has got the good
old dame-to dance a polka with him before she goes to bed.




A FRAIL BRIDGE.

[Illustration: 0078]

|Here is a very different kind of picture, and one that almost makes
us shudder. We can hardly believe that there are men who can trust
themselves to cross from one side of a ravine to the other by such a
slender-looking rope. How sore their hands and feet must be! and how
glad they must be when they get to the other side in safety! It is a
good thing there are such hardy, brave men in the world; for it helps to
make it move on more smoothly.




WATCHING THE HAY-MAKERS.

[Illustration: 0079]

|An English hay-field! See how busy the reapers are mowing down the
sweet hay. I hope the little boy under the tree has been helping, and
that he is resting after his labours rather than being lazy. It is so
nice to toss up the hay when it is dry,--its smell is so sweet.




REMEMBER THE POOR.

[Illustration: 0080]

|Here is a busy group, at any rate. See what a lot of nice sticks they
have been gathering in the wood. They are too poor to buy coals, so they
go out and gather the broken branches. The farmer does not object to
them taking them, because he knows such thrifty, diligent people never
destroy the trees; and he often tells the forester to order the workmen
to leave as many of the small branches as possible. In this time of dear
coals, and dear provisions of every kind, I hope you remember the poor.
I know of an old woman in London, who comes twice a week for the old
tea-leaves a little boy saves for her.




A FRENCH TEA-GARDEN.

[Illustration: 0081]

|This must be a garden in France, I think. The people there are very
fond of the open air, and sometimes take their food in the tea-gardens.
They are certainly very merry; but I rather think we, who are accustomed
to home comforts, would soon get tired of this noisy out-of-door life.
The climate there is so much warmer than ours, that it must be pleasant
to have such a nice garden to go to; and the children cannot but enjoy
it much.




OUT FOR A RAMBLE.

[Illustration: 0082]

|I think these must be very nice children, because of one thing,--their
dog seems to be very fond of them. He has come back from a good scamper,
and is looking up in their faces, sure of being praised.




ENTERTAINING A VISITOR.

[Illustration: 0083]

|Here is a very funny picture. This monkey has found his way into the
drawing-room, where sits one of his mistress's visitors. She is rather
afraid of him, but thinks it is wiser to keep on friendly terms with
him, and is offering him some sweet cake she intended to give to the
children. Mr. Monkey, who wants to be thought like his master rather
than like a little child, is shaking his head and making all sorts of
queer faces and sounds in his throat. It is no wonder the poor visitor
is somewhat alarmed.




A WRECK AT SEA.

[Illustration: 0084]

|Oh dear, what a sad scene is here! A vessel in distress, with her crew
clinging to the sides of the deck. If she is wrecked, I hope they will
get off in time in their boats, with a good compass and plenty of food
and water to serve till they reach some safe haven, or some land. What
dark clouds, and what an angry sea! It is no wonder people are fond of
sailors, and like to see them walking about the streets. When we think
of the dangers they have to endure, they must enjoy getting back to land
again, especially to their own homes, where their wives and children are
ready to give them, oh how hearty a welcome!




A PRACTICAL JOKE.

[Illustration: 0085]

|What is the matter? is anybody killed? I rather fear this stupid
fellow has fired off his gun in fun and has wounded somebody. His little
brother has fainted with fright.




ON BOARD A STEAMER.

[Illustration: 0086]

|Here is a young lady going a long journey. She is sitting on her trunk
watching the busy crowds of people coming and going. Every-thing is so
new and strange to her, that she has no time to feel sad.




THE THRESHING-FLOOR.

[Illustration: 0087]

|How busy old Tim is in the threshing-floor! Only look how his flail is
swinging over his head. Ah, how cunning the ducks are! They have left
the pond, and have gathered round the door, ready to pick up any
stray grains of com that Tim may send out. The hens, too, have perched
themselves on the ledge, and are keeping a sharp look-out.




POOR LITTLE JOHNNIE.

[Illustration: 0088]

|Here is poor little Johnnie Green crying on his door-step. But why is
he crying, you would like to know. Well, because a naughty boy who was
passing, snatched off his cap and tossed it somewhere out of Johnnie's
reach. It is well that his big brother is close at hand to get it for
him, after he hears the cause of his tears.




MOVE ON! MOVE ON!

[Illustration: 0089]

|Move on! move on!" That is what the policeman is saying to this
strange-looking man. He is blind; but I fear he is only pretending, and
is not such an honest man as the old sailor with the wooden leg I showed
you before. His dog, too, looks rather sly; though, poor beast, it is
trying to do its duty to its master, and is holding out the tin dish
very carefully. The man is roaring so loud, that he is frightening the
ladies who are passing; so no wonder he is told to move on.




THE FRIENDLY ISLANDS.

[Illustration: 0090]

|This is a canoe belonging to the Friendly Islands, in the South Pacific
Ocean. When you are old enough, you will be able to read all about them,
and how Captain Cook thought this would be a good name for them, because
the natives all seemed to live on such friendly terms with one another,
and from their politeness to strangers. They live upon cocoa-nuts,
yams, hogs, fowls, fish, and shell-fish. They are very fond of bathing
themselves in ponds; and even though stagnant, they prefer them to the
water of the sea.




PRETTY COCKATOO.

[Illustration: 0091]

|Pretty cockatoo." The little girls like to pay him a visit, for he
is such a very funny bird. He is pure white, with such a lovely yellow
crest; and when he is pleased, he makes it stand up on his head till you
can see every feather quite distinctly. Unfortunately, when he does that
he almost always gives a terribly loud screech, which forces you to put
your hands to your ears to shut out the ugly sound. When he gets a piece
of sugar, or a bit of the yolk of an egg, he is so pleased, and makes a
sound like giving you a kiss, to show his thanks. I hope the little girl
who is holding up her finger is not teazing him, because he may lose his
temper in a moment, and give her a severe bite.




NAUGHTY MARY.

[Illustration: 0092]

|Really, Miss Mary, this is a very strange way to use your doll, holding
her up by her poor hand, and letting her curls almost sweep the floor.
Miss Mary is in a cross humour, and so she is cross with her doll; which
is very stupid of her, I am sure you will say. You take very great care
of your doll, I am certain; and put her to bed every night, folding
up her clothes as you do your own, and teaching her to be a very tidy,
well-behaved doll. And you call her by a pretty name, don't you?




THE ACTIVE LITTLE SQUIRREL.

[Illustration: 0093]

|I know you will like to see this picture. Isn't this a dear little pet
of a squirrel? He has come down from the trees to enjoy the warmth of
the sun before it sets, and is eating his supper with much content. All
day he has been very busy laying up a store of acorns in a hollow of
a tree; for God has taught him to know that "winter, dreary winter, is
coming, and that he must be active in the autumn, else he will starve
when the snow comes.




A NAUTILUS.

[Illustration: 0094]

|This is a picture of a nautilus; and I am sure papa will be delighted
to tell you about this strange creature. We can


"Learn of the little nautilus to sail,

               Spread the thin oar, or catch the driving gale."

"This is the ship of pearl, which poets feign

               Sails the unshaded main--

The venturous bark that flings

               On the sweet summer wind its purpled wings."




AMERICAN SLAVES.

[Illustration: 0095]

|Ah, here is a sad sight. This is a cabin where the slaves live, on a
cotton plantation. I am glad to say there are no slaves in America now;
and the overseer dare not use that great long whip to force them to
work, as he did only a very few years ago. These men have been sent to
tie up and whip one of the women, because she did not do as much work as
the overseer thought she ought to have done. How glad the negroes must
be now to think they cannot be whipped, or sold away from their children
and homes; and that they can sing, "No more auction block for me."




TAHITI.

[Illustration: 0096]

|This is an island in the South Pacific, called Tahiti. The canoes seem
to be very different from those of the Friendly Islands; but the people
are very different. They used to be in manners quite savages; but the
missionaries have done them a great deal of good, and they are becoming
just like people in this country. All sorts of roots and plants grow
here, and fragrant sandal-wood.




ON BOARD A STEAMER.

[Illustration: 0097]

|This is the picture of the interior of a saloon of one of the steamers
to Dublin. It has just newly started, and the passengers are beginning
to feel uncomfortable, at least some of them are. The stout old lady
is too angry with the gentleman opposite her to think of anything, and
scarcely feels the motion of the vessel. She thinks he is very rude
because he keeps staring at her granddaughter, who is so sad about
leaving her mamma and papa, that she can think of nothing else.
And though she promised to make ever so many sketches, she lets her
portfolio lie idly in her lap.




A YOUNG ROBBER.

[Illustration: 0098]

|Oh, shocking!" Gertrude is quite right to say so to this cruel boy, for
taking away the bird's nest. He likes Gertrude, and intended to make her
a present of it; but when he sees how sorry she is, it is to be hoped he
will put it safely back in the bush again.




THE SQUIRE IN HIS GARDEN.

[Illustration: 0099]

|Here is a picture of an English squire walking in his garden. He is
very fond of flowers, and keeps a gardener to look after them. Tom the
gardener is as proud of the garden as his master is, and always does his
best to attend to the flowers. He tenderly carries some of the delicate
ones into the green-house the moment the sun sets, lest they should get
chilled and die.




WALKING WITH PAPA.

[Illustration: 0100]

|Really, did ever any one wear such a funny bonnet as this young lady?"
Oh yes; not many years ago, either; and very comfortable it was, too, I
do assure you. I think the gentleman is her father, and is an officer;
and she is very proud of walking out with him. He has taught her to walk
very neatly, and so she is pointing out her toe as prettily as she can.
Her father is a very polite man, and is carrying her bag, and even her
parasol, which is rather a comical one.




JULIA MAYTON.

[Illustration: 0101]

|Now, here is such a very pretty picture that I must tell you a story
about it. This is Julia Mayton, the squire's little daughter. She
sometimes tires of being in the garden, though she likes the pretty
flowers, and is allowed to wander by herself through the wood out to the
edge of the common where the shepherd has his sheep feeding. The moment
she appears, Help, the shepherd's dog, bounds off to greet her. He likes
to be patted by her; and to show that it is only for affection he comes,
he always refuses to take any cake or bits of biscuit. He keeps a sharp
look-out, too, upon the flock, and if he sees one straying he bounds
away back to his duty.




GRANDPAPA'S PRESENT.

[Illustration: 0102]

|Here are two sisters sitting on one of the garden seats. The younger
has brought out her new book of history her kind grandpapa gave her
for a Christmas present; but she has quite startled her elder sister by
saying that she really does not like to read it. She calls it a stupid
book.

A TAHITIAN DANGER.




A TAHITIAN DANGER.

[Illustration: 0103]

|This is a female dancer of Tahiti; and a very funny figure she has made
of herself. The things like fans at her back must be intended for wings,
I think, and will add much to her grace when she dances. She seems to
have no shoes on her feet; but she has been careful to provide herself
with a very fine head-dress. You must read all about this beautiful
island when you grow bigger, and about its brave inhabitants. You will
be very much amused, too, to hear about the strange pillow they lay
their heads on when they go to sleep.




MAMMA AND BABY.

|Oh, what a sleepy-headed mamma!" Ah, but baby is getting two new teeth,
and they have been so troublesome during the night that poor mamma did
not get a wink of sleep; and now that they have shot their little white
points through the gums, poor baby is so relieved that he has popped off
to sleep; and his mamma has followed his example, and dropped off too.
You must be _very_ careful not to make any noise, in case you awake
them. Slip about on tip-toe, and shut the doors very quietly.




LEARNING TO READ.

[Illustration: 0105]

|Here is an old man teaching his son to read. In those days there were
no printed books;--all were written; and so books were very scarce.
Gentlemen used to send their sons to be educated by the monks. They used
to have the most books. Nearly all the copies of the Bible were in their
keeping. There was a copy chained to a pillar in old St. Paul's Church
in London.




ANGLERS.

[Illustration: 0106]

|Ah, what is this now? Two anglers busy at work. I greatly fear some
foolish trout must have spied out the glittering fly at the end of the
line, and swallowed it Of course he does his best to make his escape,
and darts under the bank; but the fisher is trying to force him to come
out. He must do so, because the hook is sticking in his poor throat, and
he can't bear the pain any longer. It is such a pity he was so greedy,
else he might have swam about the pleasant river.




TURKEYS TO SELL.

[Illustration: 0107]

|Here is a poulterer going round selling his fine turkeys and chickens.
He is trying to get the doctor of the small town to buy one; but the
doctor is telling him that the last was much too dear, and not at all
good. Both the men seem surprised; but, of course, the doctor ought to
know best.




OUT ON THE LAKE.

[Illustration: 0108]

|How would you like to live up on the top of that high rock? The castle
is quite a ruin now, and the ferryman's daughter takes many people in
her boat to see it. She rows the boat about the lake all the day, and
never seems weary.




HIDING ON A GOAT.

[Illustration: 0109]

|I really think this is Old Mother Hubbard's dog again. You remember
when she went out to the clothier's to buy him a coat, when she returned
home to her own house he was riding on the back of her goat. It is just
as well he has the sense to hold on by her horns, for Mrs. Nanny does
not seem to be very well pleased, and I can't help thinking that she
will toss him off the first moment she can.




PRETTY MISS MAUD.

[Illustration: 0110]

|This is really a very elegant lady; and what a lovely house she seems
to live in! I wonder what she is thinking about. She looks rather grave,
doesn't she? And this surprises us, because we often think that people
who live in grand houses, and wear fine clothes, ought never to be
anything but happy. But when we grow older, we find that even the very
richest people are sad sometimes, and that they are tempted to envy the
happy, contented life of some poor people.




THE LITTLE INVALID.

[Illustration: 0111]

|This is a very rich little girl. Her father could buy her everything
she could desire; but she is very delicate, and all his money cannot
purchase health. She has to lie in bed almost all the day; but she has a
kind little friend, the rectors daughter, who comes very often and sits
beside her and reads to her. Though this little girl cannot run about,
she has learned to be content.




LEAVING HOME.

[Illustration: 0112]

|Here is Arthur Young. He is leaving home for the first time in his
life, and is going away to be a sailor on board a very large ship. He
was so proud of his fine clothes when they came home, and was never
tired of talking about the ship to his little brothers and sisters; but
now he cannot help thinking that he will not see his dear, kind mother,
for ever so long, and he is trying to listen very attentively to her
last words of advice.




IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN.

[Illustration: 0113]

|Here is another view of an island in the Pacific Ocean. It is called
Raiatea. Do you notice what a number of strange-looking trees grow here?
It would be very nice to be able to get fresh cocoa-nuts off the trees,
and drink the sweet milk for breakfast. And then it would be delightful
to paddle about in that canoe, and look through the clear water, down
to the very bottom, and watch the lovely fishes swimming about, blue and
yellow, and with crimson spots sometimes. How we should laugh, too, at
the funny coloured crabs.




OUT IN THE WOODS.

[Illustration: 0114]

|Here is a picture nearer home. These children have a half holiday, and
are spending it in the woods. They have not forgotten to take their baby
brothers and sisters with them; and as the little ones are tired, they
are taking a rest. Henry wishes his sister Alice to blow very hard upon
the white feathery head of the dandelion seed, to see if their mother
requires her at home; but Alice is a little afraid, in case it should be
true, and this makes them all laugh very much.




SULKY JESSIE.

[Illustration: 0115]

|Heyday, and what's the matter here? I fear somebody has been naughty;
and even though the governess is talking kindly, I fear somebody is in
the sulks. Just look at them! I think they must have been quarrelling,
and are both to blame. It is a great pity they are not friends, because
it is so painful to quarrel with one's playmates; it makes everything
feel wrong together. I do hope they will forgive each other.




MARY AND HER PETS.

[Illustration: 0116]

|Gathering pretty posies. Oh, do look at the dove taking a peep at her!
and the squirrels know they need not scamper off, for she is too good to
hurt them.




HELPING MOTHER

[Illustration: 0117]

|Who is this diligent little girl, I wonder? See how she is polishing
the table! This is little Mary Tom, the gardener's daughter; and, as her
mother is helping in the garden, she is keeping house with her sister
Jane. Jane is just setting out to the village to buy something nice for
her father's tea; and she is telling Mary to be careful, and not scrub
the paint off,--as if Mary would be so foolish!




FIRE! FIRE!

[Illustration:0118]

|Fire! fire!" How could the old school-master expect to get his pupils
to come to their lessons after hearing that cry! Why, just look!
there's old Nanny, who keeps the apple-stall at the corner, looking quite
bewildered, and asking the boys to tell her what is the matter. Instead
of being angry, I think the school-master had better put on his hat and
set off too after his pupils;--what do you think?




ON THE ICE

[Illustration: 0119]

|Hold hard! hold hard!" Don't you see Tom and Dick have gone down, and
Harry is about to follow? Who would mind a tumble on such lovely ice?
Oh, look there!--a gentleman has lost his balance, and he is going after
his hat, I fear, crash down on the ice. It will be worse for him than
for the boys.




THE GLASS SHADE.

[Illustration: 0120]

|What is this you are looking at so earnestly,

Miss Eliza? Ah, yes, the figure under the glass shade. You do well to
look at it. It is very pretty indeed. Only be careful Don't let it slip
from the table. See how near it is to the edge.




THE TRAPPERS' RETURN.

[Illustration: 0121]

|Trappers out hunting. This is in the far west of North America, and
it is a very cold place. It is a pity the snow is so deep that it has
covered the hunters' feet; for you would have got a surprise had you
seen their snow-shoes, which are very curious and very large.




DEAR OLD GRANDMAMMA.

[Illustration: 0122]

|Here is a kind old grandmamma taking a pleasant stroll out in the
woods. The girls have been filling their baskets with wild-flowers, and
the boys have been playing at hounds and hares. They are now going to
rest, and listen to some of grandmamma's old stories.




A SAD PARTING.

[Illustration: 0123]

|Here is a little boy setting out on his apprenticeship. His dog wants
to go with him, but he is obliged to tell him that he must not go any
further. The dog, which has been his faithful companion, is not able to
understand that, though he is a clever dog. But he knows that there is
something wrong, and at last he hears the words, "Go home, sir."




THE BEST OF FRIENDS MUST PART.

[Illustration: 0124]

|Yes, and we too must part, my dear. And here is Old Mother Hubbard for
the last picture in my Scrap-Book; and for me she is making her very
best courtesy for your patience; and the dog is making his most elegant
bow, though I wish he had not been so rude as to turn his back when
saying to you "Farewell."









End of Project Gutenberg's My Pretty Scrap-Book, by Mrs. George Cupples