LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2928, 27 April 1910, Page 83

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto:—We write fcr the benefit of others, not for ourselves.

SgfSc letter to contain more than 450 worls

Dear Dot,-This is my first letter to ycpi. Last week I read some letters from DL,*, and I thought I would like to, write, too I would liV> very much to, know you. 1 asked daddv v. bat you were like, but he did not tell me. I live in Dannevirke new. I was born m Dunedin, and J. am eight years old. I lived in Lawrence for a year with my grandmother and 1 flxst went to schcol theie. I ami in the Third Standard, and I like my teacher very well. I have a brother and a sister. Their names are Colin and Zella. Zella goes to school, but Colin is only four. The weather has bten very rough this w£ * k -- Yo^|^f: [I can't tell you exactly- what I am like, l ; ttle girl, for people r.ever know that themselves I but I do know that I am very fond of little children, and that is the most important thing for ycu to know, isn t itif Ana I am so glad you wrote to me, and next time you write I should like you to. tell me how you came to take the name Ormgi, and what it means, will you?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—lt is not very often I take up a small space in the page, but I am gong to now. Although T have not written I always take a great interest in the page, and it is a favourite pastime of mine reading the D.L.F. letters. I have now passed into the Seventh Standard, and as I .am the only girl I feel it just a little bit. I did net want to go back to school after I had passed the Sixth Standard; but onco you come to think over it, Dot, school time is the best and happiest time of our life, although we do not think so until we have left and have, to work. Then we know how silly -we were net to have kept oia at school aa long as we could. At about the end of March we had a visit from his Excellency Lord Plunket. He arrived at about 3 o'clock, a little earlier than he was expected', and 1 then he was taken into the hall. After a. few speeches were made a. cup of tea was handed round to everyone. Then my father took hiin round and introduced ti'm to the people. He stayed about an hour, and then went away in his motor car. My father went with him to shew and explain the surrounding country tci him. I have just lately received my prizes' for the O.K.P. puzzles, and am very pleased with them'. The names of ohe books are "Melbourne House" and " Ailsa's Reaping." I have done the puzzles two years now, and have- won prizes both times. My marks were 471 out of the total number of 500. There were not so many wrong after all. I am too old to do the juniors again this year, and the seniors are too hard, and I don t think I shall try them. It is very interesting doing them, and that is how I usea 10 spend Sunday afternoon. I do not go to Sunday school.- as it is too far. Dear Dot, I think I shall close now, as I am being disturbed, but I shall write again soon. With love to Lady Evelyn and all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, B JENNY GEDDES'. [Perhaps next year you will bis able to try the senior puzzles, Jenny; you have to search the Bible Very thoroughly for some of them, haven't you? I shall be very glad to hear from you again soon. As you say, it is not often that you occupy a space in the page.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Aa it is a year now since I wrote to the pasre I thought it was time 1 made another start. It has been raining here for a week, and has just stopped today. I know a good number of D.L.J). about here now—Marjory, Airlie, Inky Bill, Pixie Doolev, Little Wonder, Sandow, Stockman Orange Blossom, Wairaki. Violet, Sea Breezes, and Mute. Postage stamp is my sister. Inky Bill is away for her holidays I was bridesmaid at my uncles wedding at Otautau or. the 30th of March I was at the dance after the Peldwick picnic, and enjoyed it very much. I saw Marjory, Airlie, Inky Bill, and Sea Breezes there. Airlie and I had a good time at the Eastern Bush picnic, but she would not stop to the dance. I rode up to the picnic after I came back from, the factory, and it was about 3 o'clock when I gcit up, so I did not see much of the picnic. My sister and I went to the Orawia picnic and dance, and we were soaking wet when we got home. Airlie and Inky Bill were there, and I think Inky Bill got a bit of a ducking. The Oddfellows' ball at Clifden is cm the 27th of April. I got an invitation, but I don't know whether I shall go or not I rode over to, the Clifden races on New Year's Day. About 1 o'clock it came on to rain, and" though Airlie and Tixie and I had our coats on, even then I got wet. I have not seen Pixie since then, but I saw Waybaek at the Eastern Bush picnic. I think I know who Lady Isabel II is at Clifden. We are milking 27 cows just now, but I suppose they will soon he dry. We are feeding 15 nigs, and we have five a iortnight old. We have started to cart out turnips to our cows. The road near_ our place is getting sravelled, and it is in a terrible state. The drays are cutting it all up. Dear Dot, have you ever seen the Clifden bridge? It is the nicest bridge about here. There is a bridge to be put over the Orawia River down by Maori Hill. It will be a great help to the settlers down that way, as' they have to cross the river to so to Tuatapere, and when it is in flood thev can't get across. Tuatapere will be a "big township soon. The rail.way was just finished when I was down. The station was net quite finished, but the ■train was running. Mr West's hotel is a very nice one now that it is finished. The Tuatapere sports were held oni the 28th of March, and there were 800 people at them. I heard that there was a good crowd of people at the Riverton races. I know a number who went down fremi here. I was in Otautau on the Tuesday night when the train came in from the races. My brothers birthday is on the 24th of April. He is eight yoa.rs old. As soon as I get my ■nhoto taken I shall send you ome. I intended to get it taken the day I was

bridesmaid at my uncle's wedding, but there was no photographer in Otautau. Dear Dot, did yxra ever have toothache ? I had it tho other night, and I am going to get three teeth out this week if it is fine. Hurry up Muta, and write; you have not been at any of tho dances about here this year that I have been at. With love to Airlie, Marjory, Inky Bill, Orange Blossom, Pixie, Muta, and Golden Fern, — X'ours truly, RUBY DIAMOND. Dear Dot, — A good many months have passed by since I last wrote to the page. How time does fly' Christmas, New Year, and Easter holidays have passed, and the long winter nights are approaching fast. Oh, those short daya and those long nights that seem endless! J have left school since I last wrote to you. and at present I am staying in Waimahaka for a holiday, and I am enjoying myself immensely. 1 often go with some companions of mine for a ramble on the hills, which from a distance look as if they were studded with little black or white dots, but on coming closer we find out that these dots are sheeji and cattle and horses. We go through the bush and come back laden with as many ferns and branches of various trees as we can carry. I thinks the kowhai is a very pTetty tree, don't you, Dot? Hushrooms are pretty plentiful down here, and we often go gathering them. There is a pretty berry on the hills called the snowberry. Some of these .berries are white, while those that have grown under the tussocks or under the banks are of a, pretty pink. There are also many other pretty berries growing here —some red, brown, pink, and blue. Father is working on the Waimahaka-Cat-lins railway. It is called the Tokonui railway, but it gees from Waimahaka to Catlins. I often go ap to where the men are working, and sit on the bank and read, or watch them working. Father has been setting a few rabbit traps lately, and yesterday morning he caught three ferrets —two yellow ones with pretty pink eyes, and the other a black one. The yellow ones do not try to bite you when you are letting them, out, of the traps, but the black one is very savage. I can dance a good few dances now, and I am very fond of it. Shepherd's Lily is living in town now, and I see her pretty often. Are there any D.L.F. in Waimahaka, Dot? If there ; are, they must be all hiding, for I have not seen a single one since I came here. Telephone Boy, hurry up and write, and let us know if you are still alive! And you, too, Red Rose! Did you get my post-card, Armchair? I hope you did. Love to Minnie Grey, East. Lynne, Harjpy Ike, Biddy Malcine, and all the other L.F.—Yours truly, BRIAR ROSE.

[There are always a great many interesting little plants to be found in the low scrub on the hills, and the snowberry is one of the most widely distributed that we have. It belongs to the same family of plants aa the heaths that we grow in our gardens—did you know? I should be glad to hear some more about your rambles, and the plants you find.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—You will be thinking that I have been hiding in some dark corner or other, but here I am again as lively as ever! I have a very bad cold just now, and it is so disagreeable. I got a very nice book for a prize; it is called "True Stories for the Little Ones." I will write a few lines out of one of them: "Now a walk with my mother was a great treat, and it was a cheerful little party that came down the steps of th«s »13. house. Baby was in his chair, and mother put a basket into it and off we started. All went on happily till we arrived at a shop, and mother said, 'Lucy, you are to stay here with baby whilst nurse goes with me to do some shopping.' I said, 'Why mayn't I come? 'BecauiS-3 mother says stay here,' said my mother. 'But I do so very much want to know what you buy,' persisted the tiresome child. My mother did not argue with her naughty little girl, but left me and went into the shop. I pouted, and did not try to amuse baby, but felt cross- with mother and nurse for leaving me. Very soon my mother came out of the shop, but she did not answer all my questions. She quietly remarked, 'Lucy, will you not believe that mother knows best when she says she cannot tell you?' I did not like being told, and was crosser than ever, and the walk (began so cheerily ended sadly, because of-the temper that came as a heavy cloud over it. It was about a week later when, one morning after breakfast, my mother said, |Lucy, nurse is going to help me in the kitchen this morning, and you are to stay here by baby's cradle and ring directly he wakes.' 'Oh.' said I, 'mayn't I come to the kitchen? I do so much want to come and help!' 'Lucy, dear, the best help you can give me is to take care of baby.' 'But,' I said, more truthfully, T do so very much want to see what you are going to make.' My mother looked troubled that her little girl was so wilful, but said', just as she did once before, 'Lucy, will you not believe mother knows best when she wishes you to stay where you are?' Now, as I did not think mother knew bast, I pouted over my sewing, pulled the thread into knots, and behaved very badly. Mother and nurse had gone, and how much I wished that baby would wake up and I could be free! I am almost ashamed to tell vou that I let baby cry till nurse came; then I was rude to her. and was still cross when mv dear mother came up tired from the kitchen." I will not write any more just now, but I will tell you that Lucy did afterwards understand how naughty she had been to her mother .and was reallv carry to have eiven so much frouble. With love to all the Little Polk and vonrself Tours truly. MOUNT BARKER ROSE.

[lt is just like a niece of real life, Rose, isn't it? Many little girls trouble their mothers in the same way. and never think of the pain they give; but these stories help us to understand, and that is why it is good to read stories. —DOT.J

Dear Dot.—This is my first letter to your •nage, and I hope you will let m# join your barmy band. I go to school, and I am in the Fifth Standard, so it will only be a short time before I shall be able to leave. There is no interesting news to tell you. Dot. and seeing that this is my first letter I shall only write a short one. I know a pood few L.F. up in these parts: but they c!o not seem to write very reeularly. Pradella is writing to you to-night, so I -made up my mind to write to y.ou. too. I am sending this letter with hers. The stalking season has opened now. and there are a good tiumW of stalkers here already. Some of th«! stalkers are on their way back a°"ain'* ps they have been out and filled their license. —Yours trulv. PRADELLA'S MATE. [I am forr'v to hear that yon have having toothache. Rubv Diamond. You ought to ask the dentist when voai go. t--> him if the remaining teeth should not be filled. If yon keep them carefully attended to you will never have toothache. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—lt is a long time since I last wrote to you, so to-night I thought I would write onoe more. Wo _ar>© having very bad weather lately; we have had some snow, too.

We were not at Sunday «choo! to-day, because it was too wet. I got a prize art Sunday school; the nam* of it is "From the Back of Beyond." I have just finished reading- it, and I think it is a very nice book. I like going to Sunday school, but I do not like going to week-day school. I shall be 12 years old en the 22nd of next month. I am in the Sixth Standard at school now. My two married sisters came over to see us to-day, and "heir little babies are growing very big now. I know a few D.L.F. about here. Their names are Fuchsia Berries, Dot's Mate. and Silver Star.—Yours truly, HAZEL EYES. Dear Dot, —It is a long Some since I have written, to you. Since I wrote last I have got another little sister. Her nam* is Violet Doris. We now have six cows. I had. a dear little lamb. Her name was Daisy. She followed mo part of the way to school one day, and when J came back she lay dying. We don't quite know what made Daisy die. She was so happy jumping up oil the rocks and piaying with me. We think she must have had too much milk, and started to play and run too soon after drinking it. Then we got another little lamb we called Robin. He was one day old when we got him. He started to follow me. as soon as he saw me. I have had two lambs since then, but none were so dear as Daisy. Mother took my little sisters and me to Dunedin, and we did enjoy ourselves. We went to the Gardens, the Museum, and the seaside. We liked the sea beat of all. We are having such cold weather at present. I think 1 must end new. With love to all the little D.L.F. and yourself, dear Dot.—Yours truly, ACIE.

[lt was very sad, indeed, Acie, that you lost your dear little lamb in that way. It is like losing a doll, isn't it? The new doll r.ever seems half so dear and lovable as the old. Do you know a very nice little piece of poetry about a doll that Charles Kingsley wrote? I think I shall put it in the page for you this week. You tell me if you like it.—DOT.j

Dear Dot, —I shall tell you about a book which I have read named "No Place Like Home." It was about a little girl called Elsie Medway and her brother Ishmael. They always played in the woods, and one day as theyi were walking along something flew up in front of ihem. It was a pheasant, which had been sitting on her r.est in the long grass. ' Elsie uttered a scream of fright, but Ishmael bent down and parted the. tangled grass which hid the nest, and there lay 10 brown eggs all packed together. Elsie gathered some sticks and made a fire in a cave and roasted four of the eggs in the ashes. While they were roasting she sang a song, but before she had finished she saw a man's head through the branches: it was the gamekeeper. Ishmael was kneeling down by the fire, and did not notice him.. The gamekeeper 'said, " What are you doing here?" He pulled Ishmael out of the cave and put a strong rope round him-. Elsie went home and told her mother what had happened. Ishmael was taken to the magistrate's eourt by a policeman, who held him fast so that he could not escape. Mrs Medway, his mother, was an old woman, and as she followed him down the street she fell on the pavement. Ishmael was sent to gaol for three months. His father always came home drunk, and as soon as he heard about it he said he would turn Ishmael out if he went home. After harvest was over and the shooting season began Ishmael's time was nearly up. It soon slipped round, and the day he was to go home his mother went to meet him, and told him he was not to go home. Well, dear Dot, I think I shall stop, as I have written quite a long Letter. —Yours truly, GLADIOLA. [That must be a tale of some time ago, Gladiola, for I think the game laws are not so harsh now that a boy would receive three months' imprisonment for stealing four pheasants' eggs. I hope your story has a happy ending, though. I like the stories with happy endings bast, don't you?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Happy Friend, Lamplighter's Niece, Letty, Olive, and some other girls and myself went for a picnic down to Awamoko Creek. We left home about 12 p-'clock,, and arrived at our • destination about 1 o'clock. First of all we had to have a rest after our two miles' walk. After we had lunch some of us went and pad Sled in the stream and looked for crayfish. After a little while some young ladies cam© down tc. see us. We had some more tea, and then went further up the stream looking for more crayfish. After we came back again we made our way home, where we arrived at; 7 o'clock, very tired after our day's outing. On April 13 Happy Friend and myself drove to Kakanui to our uncle's w.edding. We left home about 7 o'clock. It was very cold and frosty on our way down, and when we got to Maheno wie went to our friends' and had a cup of tea, and then went on to Kakanui, where we arrived at half-past 11. We then had another cup of tea. There was a large number of people there, and we had a most enjoyable time. During the evening a danoe was held and songs were sung. Altogether we had a most delightful time. The next day we left Kakanui for Livingstone at half-past 12, and arrived home at 6 o'clock, very cold, tired, and hungry, but excited over our trip. We miss Dolly Gray very much since she wient away to Tokarahi. No, you did not send me an auto, Miner's Daughter. You must have forgotten. Hurry up and write to the page, Lucy Boons! _ We have not heard from you for a long time. You will have to excuse this writing, Dot, as my nib is bad. With love to Nightingale, Green Shrub's Sister, Olive, Lucy Boons, Dolly Gray, Giulia, Somebody's Lover, Mayflower, Granddad's Girl, Queen of the Vale, Heather Lassie, Honey Blossom, Primrose, Brownie, and Telescope,—Yours truly, LIVINGSTONE NEWS AGENT.

Dear Dot, —It is raining here to-day. We were having a party, but owing to the rain we are confined to the house. In the Easter holidays we went up to the Maerewbenua diggings. We drove up part of the way, and then went across soniie hills on foot. There were about half a dozen of us altogether. You would have laughed if you had seen us. "We were in. a springcart, all sitting in the bottom. "We aa-rived in safe'ty, and after we had' a little refreshment we set out on our walk. None cif us were acquainted with the country, and we did not know where there was a claim that was working. "We had a look round from a hill to see if we could not see which ones were working, and we were glad when wo saw where the pipes that carried the water went to; so we went along to where the pipe was, aoo.d followed it till we reached the claim, and found that it was working. Having looked round we started oS to cross l some coiuntry to get to a road. The bit cf country that we had to cross was covered with worked-out claims, and down below the hill we were now on was a muddy bed. through which flowed a dirty stream of water. When creasing this, which was rather an awkward job, one of us slipped and fell in the mud, and got rather dirty with the yellow-coloured mud. We got her dress cleaned as best wo c'culd, and ag*i7 u starVril

on our way for the road. We were getting on fine, when we found that we could not get any further, because the old tailraces that ran down to the dirty stream of water had been worn to a great depth by the action of the water. There was only one way in which we could get out, and that was to go through an old claim. Now, this claim had a bank all round it about sft high. We hunted all round, pushing our way through the broom that grew all over the bottom of it. There was no place where we could get out, but a boy who was one of cur party managed to get up, and then prilled us up one by one. At last we arrived at the road, and started to walk to the place where we had left our horse. We soon reached there, and started to yoke up and set out for home: The sun had set, and it was getting dark. Our horse was a good goer, and it would not take long to go home. Wo were not far along the road when the horse shied at a piece of paper. The horse jumped across the road on to a bank at the other side. The cart war broken, but luckily none of us were hurt. We were about seven miles from our homes. There was nothing to do but to walk, so we Set off, and arrived home about 10 o'clock, tired out. This is ill we shall say this time. With best love to all the L.F. and yourself, —Yours truly, WE, US,- AND CO. [A most adventurour outing, truly- But I like the good colonial spirit that will not he daunted by adverse circumstances, and! I am glad you carried your day triumphantly through. You did not tell me how the news of the damage to the cart was received.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is now •some 18 months since I last wrote tci the dea' old page, and n> dcubt somis of the D.L.F. will be forgetting there is such a person as I. It has been raining and blowing so hard that I thought the house would go over any minute. I would rather have rain than wind, but we can't always have things as we should lite them. I have been in Oamaru foi a few days, and whom do you think I met?—Mary Bell. I got a great surprise when I saw her. I do not see Dolly Gray very often. I hear she is out working. How do youi like that, Dolly? It is not very nice, getting out of the blankets very early these mornings. Last November 1 spent a short holiday with Primrose. I was at the D.L.F. picnic; it was the first D.L.F. I had ever been, to, but I hope it will not be the last. Then in January I went to Georgetown, where I spent a most enjoyable holiday. My sister and I were down at Kakanui to our uncle's wedding. I like Kaka-< rui very much, only it is rathei cold. The threshing mill and chaffcutter were working in this district. The schoolboys use<J to think it was good fun to see them working. With best J love to Somebody's Lov«t c Mary Bell, Linnet, Viola Cornuta, thcrn Bell, Ivy Diamond, Lighthouse Lassie, Primrose, and Love Lies Bleeding ll,—Yours truly, HAPPY FRIEND. [I have not forgotten you, Happy Friend, although you have indeed given me a good chance to. But I hope to hear from you more frequently in future.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very had weather here. Yesterday we had a snowstorm which lasted for half an hour, and: thunderstorms, too. We have not been out cycling for days. Maze Bees was at my home on Sunday, the 10th. and we had an enjoyable day. I have- a nice flower garden, and the flowers are looking well now thai I am going to leave them., but I am thinking of giving my flowers away. I shall give some to. my friends, not forgetting Maze Bees. I have a beautiful delphinium and a white dahlia, a. big root of violets, and sweetwilliam, auriculas, and tiger lilies. I also have a nice flower and vegetable garden ad school, and Maze Bees has a nice one also. I suppose that some of the smaller girls will get it now, but I hops they keep it free from weeds. My fern is growing bettei' than I thought it would. My sister is making a. nice table centre with a Teneriffe lace tablet. I think it will be very nice when it is finished. I have just finished! making a cushion-covei with pink and greenwool and a pretty green French satin: frill on it. I am going to take it with me when travelling. I got a- letter from Australia since I last wrote, telling me that the school my cousins attended had no fewer than 11 rooms in it They were surprised to learn that our school bar only one I did not go to school on Thursday or Friday, owing to the bad weather, but. I shall go on Monday if the weather permits. As this is a long letter I shall now close. With love to all the Little Folic. —Yours truly, ÜBAIBLA. [lt is very hard to part with the plants one has tended, isn't it, Uraidla? But since you love flowers I feel sure that you would! go en having a garden all your life. Gardenlovers make gardens even in the waste places of earth, you know.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very cold, windy weather here, and there seenM to be a good bit o|f snow on the mountains. Wa had! seine rain here last night, and it has been bitterly cold to-day. I shall now tell ycu what I know of the original Pomona. It is the name of the largest island of the Orkney Islands on the north coast of Scotland. Pomona means a land of flowers, but. K could not say who gave it that name. We suppose it to have been the Danes, as it belonged to them at first. The King of? Scotland married a daughter of the King of Dermark, and on their way home to Sootland he took ill and died in Pomona Island, and is buried in Kirkwall. The Orkney and Shetland Islands were given as dowry with the King's daughter (it was the rule to givo settlements for pin money when they d'id not have money enough to give). St' l that is how these islands came into thei possession of the British. The island oB Pomona was believed toi be almost covered l with flowers when first discovered. There are about 60 islands altogether in the Ortneys, but this Pomona is the largest. Now, I "think that is all I can tell you about it. I except that it is where my grandparents cams from. I have a oat and a dog for I my pets. The dog's name is Jack, but I! ■ have not named the oat yet. I was going, to oall it Sophy, after its late owner, buti ' it never seems to get anything but Puss. i I am to get another one, and I am going to call it Minnie.—Yours truly, POMONA. [That was not the Pomona I meant, dear, but I am very much interested to hear all about the island your grandparents oama from,, and how it came into British possession. I meant the Pomona of the Greets. J3o you know anything about her?—DOT.] j Dear Dot, —It is such a long time since I! wrote to you; it must be over a year, I ami I sure, As it is wet and cold to-day I! thought I would write a letter to you. I am living at the Bluff now with my sister. I go to school here, and like my teachers very well. There are a large number of children at this school. I like living here, \w we see eo miany large steamers. They ccme in every week, and always on Mondays two steamers come in with a number of passengers on (hem, There is always a crcwd of people to see the boats off when

they go.' My sister saw two -_'et friends <?fl last -Monday who were going co Mel!'>ourne. Dear Dot, C have not seer, a letter p. from my brother, King Harold, lately. Jle fell trough - '"oft ; little while ago, a.nd /jtunned himself, father carried hm in, >nd they 0.1 l go* such a fright. Dear Dot, A haw \ aioe doll and a nice story-book any sister gave me, and / Htoe reading ny toook; it has such nice 3tories in it. T Jiave 33 post-cards low, and my sister gave due a book. Now. dear Dot, T must leave oiffi, a3it is -nearly tea time. When my sister goes out to her music, if I am lit home I make afternoon tea for her to have ■when she comes in, and she says I can 'make good tea. Now, good-bye, dear Dot. d shall look forward to seeing this in print. i-Yours tTuly, TARENA. [You are another little absentee, Tarena, •Ibut I am so glad to hear from you again. iSuch «n interesting little letter you have •written, too! There is indeed a great pleasure in living in a seaport town and jitaking an interest in the shipping. I sup'pose that you begin now to know the different boats on the Australian trade by sight, [■and can tell which they are long before you ■ can read their names. Which one would •you like best to travel by?—DOT.] I Dear Dot, —As I have not written to you , Ifor such a long time I thought I would i -write a letter to-day. There has been % Slot of rain' and wind the last four or five j days, and there was some snow yesterday. I The rabbit season has started, and the 'yvabbit-trapperis are going about everywhere. (There is going to be a concert in Win ton ,©c the 18th, and I think I am going 31 to j .it. I have just finished reading two books called "The Daughter of the Chieftain" Cvnd " Darling, or Little Orphans." They «re both very nice books. Have you read them? J was away for 1C weeks at Christinas time, and I enjoyed myself so much. iMost of the farmers have finished threshing, and -\re busy carting away. We had an opossum in a cage, but 't died. It : was very much like a bear, but it had a j trashy tail, and it always used to sit on jit. Have "od ever seem one. Dot? —Yours ili-uly. . • CANTERBURY BELL,. TI have seen opossums, Canterbury Bell, hut always in captivity. 1 should like to see them in their native state. I think the climate in the south of New Zealand is much too cold for them, as they are natives of Australia. Did your one die as winter •was coming on ? —DOT.] Dear Dot, —It ie such a long time since I wrote to you. Since I last wrote I Lave been in Gore, where I had, a lovely • holiday. T was away for five weeks. It jis snowing and raining hard to-day, and litis so cold. Dear Dot, vould you like jto hear the story about "Living and j Dying" 9 A man who was very rich spent e -great deal too much, and in a few years Ihe had wasted all his money. One of his i friends had taken notice of his evil ways. ,! One day this friend spoke to him a.bout his foolish conduct, and told him what would ! happen. The rich man said: "I am going ! quite astray, and shall very likely die a. \ "beggar." But -hat is not the wars* of it. is it, Dot? I have no more news to , tell you, Dot, so I shall say good-bye. With I love to all the Little Folk, not forgettinr 'yourself,—Yours truly, ..THE FAIB. MAID WITH GOLDEN LOCKS. .. Dear Dot, —I am 12 years old now, and (passed the Sixth Standard last December. • I got ."S certificate of proficiency. I am doing a oit of trapping in my spare timie. ■j We milk for the factory. We have had % j lot of dry weather lately, but I think we I ehall have i» change, as it is looking very : dull to-day. There is a new house just being put up in our district and another one just up. ' When I speak of building houses it recalls to me, alas! haw quickly the forest is disappearing under the sway of the axe and the draw of the saw We have had a change of -jtorekeeper? lately. The harvest about here is not threshed yet, but a thresher is expected soon I suppose you have got into trim after Christmas by this time. Hoping that the name of Nelson has mot been forgotten, I remain, with love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, ';"' ._ NELSON. ,[lf only it were enacted that for every tree cut down cine should be planted we should not have such occasion to deplore the loss of bur forests. Some of the cutting, I know, is r.ecessary, but the ruthlesr burning that takes place is one of the most distressing sights ho bt seen in this young country. ■ It takes scores of years to produce a forest tree, yet a few minutes' work .mW destroy it Is if not tragic?—DoT.l Dear Dot,—As you asked me to write to you in Valley Viole f 's letter I an- taking the opportunity to-night, as I have finished any lessons and have nothing more to do •till bed time. Thr is the first good day ■we have had for some time. We have even had a fall of snow up here, and there is snow or the mountains yet. We started ploughing yesterday. The ground is fine and soft now after all the rain. We get brushwork at our school, and I like it very injucb. We gel it every Wednesday afternoon froir> -2 o'clock till 3. There is a Salvation Army meeting held at our school every second Sunday night, and I sometimes go. We are milking four cows just now, but I don't milk tbem, lam glad to say. I bring them to Hie bail every morning, and my brother brings them in at night. One of ->ur neighbours has sold his property, and his sale is next Thursday. Th 9 people of the district are giving him a presentation on Friday night. We have a library at our school, and there are some nice little books in it with such nioe little stories in them. The names of some of those I have read are " The Tailor and the Giant," "The Snow Man." "Three Little Pigs," ' Old Dick Grey and Aunt Kate's Wav, "Aladdin," and "In Meath Meadows." 1 have read a good many more. but. I shculd ake up all the room in the papev if I /ere to name them all. 1 shall desoribe some o f them in my next letter. I was down '•taying with my uncle a few days ago, and had a glorious time, but the weather ■wis a little bit zough. There are about 20' children going to our school, and we play some grand games. The names of some of them are "By the Doors." " Carry the chip," " Chibbey," rounders, and hookey. In the winter time we have fine times sliding or the ice We have had some hard frosts already, and it ; s pretty cold getting up in the mornings to go to school. The only .D.L.F. I know are Butterfly II and Ard'.eigh. T used .0 go to school with. Ardleigh, but she has left now, and has gone to another district about seven miles from here We have two pigs, and intend killing them one of these davs. This i all at present.—Yours truly, HELEOUS. .V.' [I wondered when I should be getting ' .'a. letter from you, Heleous. I thought you. • would not forget, to write to me. I don't know those first two games you mention at all. Will you tell me about them in your next letter? I should like to know hc«iv they are played—DOT.] Dear Dot, —As : t is near the middle of autumn the leaves are falling off most of the deciduou? trees. Although the weather has been rough and unsettled we have had but few froste yet. I iave left school now,

but though T . was VM j anxious to leave I wish now that I wf3 *till going. The roads have been comparatively dry till this last week or two, when we have had a lot of rain. I do not tMuk they will dry up much more now.—f/ours truly, GALLOPING MAJOR. Dear Dot, —My father is getting a farm, and we are going to rnilk 10 cows for a start. I cannot milk oows, but father said that I had to learn Our hens are not laying just now. My little brother's birthday is on May 8, and I am saving up my money to buy him a present. The farmers have all their crop cut, and are waiting for the mill and chaffcutter to go to them. I -im in the. Second Standard at school. Yours truly, FROSTY JOE, [I sEould like to hear what you buy for yout brother, Frosty Joe, with that money you are saving up; will you write and tell me after "lis birthday?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very rough weather here just now, and we do not have very many at school, because some have a long way to walk. I go every day, because we live quite close to the school. I got the attendance prize at Christmas, and second prize \t Sunday school. My mother gave me a present of a nice book called " Chatterbox," and my sister Ivy one called " BoPeep." I have passed into the Second Standard. I know both Maze Bees and Uraidla; they go to our school. The strong wind is breaking all the flowers in the garden. I have a drawing-book at school, and I like drawing very much. Ivy .is going to write to you when she is old enough. She is not six yet.—Yours truly, GREY STAIRS. f" Chatterbox" has nice pictures in it, hasn't it, Grey Stairs? I remember I had a "Chatterbox" when I was little, and I oan still remember quite well some of the pictures that were in it. I shall be so glad when Ivy is big enough to write me a letter; will you tell her to hurry up and grow a big girl?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have just been reading some of our Little Folk's letters. Oh, what a large kingdom you will have if they still continue to join your happy band in such numbers. Reading their letters, the first thing that I noticed wais what a. lot of book readers you have: I hope that none of the little girls are as fond of reading as I was, for I used to neglect my small household duties and spend my time in reading. When mother used to set me the stockings to darn I used to sew them together, and therefore got them done quickly, in order to have more time for reading. As I read a book I used to write the name of it down in an old exercise bock. I will write down a few books that are nioe bcoks for girls from eight to 14 years of age: " Cecilia's Fortune," "City Sparrows,' "In Small Corners," " Good out of Evil," '' A Troublesome Girl," "An Original Belle," " Betty and C 0.," " The Other One," " Enid's Ugly Duckling," " Found, yet Lost," " Led into Light," and " The Little Blind Girl." Out of these I liked best "City Sparrows" and "Led into Light." I have about 100 more written down which I may give to you another time. For girls from about 14. years upwards I think that the following authors are good: Allen Raine, Marie Corelli, E. P. Roe, Annie Swan, Mrs Henry Woods, and " Rita." Dot, I was just thinking of what a big club we will have when all our Little Folk grow up. Those who read trie Witness will find the subjects for four debates usually given with the club report Now, do try and write us a few lines on some of the subjects; start at the easy one until you think yourself competent to write about the bigger ones. For the last Tuesday in the month we have " Open meeting." This evening is not devoted to any subject at all. We are always very pleased to hear from the country members, and the only trouble is that we do not get enough. So, all who read this, try to help by sending in papers to the club; short 01 long, they will be most welcome. While I am writing this it is raining hardj and I am sure it is welcomed by all, and especially those that found it so dear to buy water for daily use. I was at the theatre last night, and I enjoyed it very much. Mother, the four children, and I were there. I did no go anywhere at J Easter, but I am going away at the end of this month to a wedding, so I will write and let you all know how I enjoy myself. So with best wishes to all, —Yours truly, j LARKSPUR. ' [I am so glad to get a letter from you, Larkspur, for I am always more than pleased , when I find the signature of a olub member at the foot of a letter. The Clubs and the j Page, I sometimes f eel, are in danger of drifting apart, and it always pleases me specially to have club members write letters to the page or to have writers to the page sending '"n papers to the club. I feel then that the binding ties between the two are strengthened thereby. Do write again and tell us about the wedding. I hope you enjoy yourself ver" much at it.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very rough weather up here now. It started raining on Wednesday, and it has not stopped yet. I live a mile and a-half away from school. I know a few L.F about here. Lady Grace has not had a letter in the page for a ■ long time. I will call in to see you.when I am down in May.—" Sours truly, LADY MABEL'S BRIDESMAID. j [I shall be very glad to see vou when„ycu come, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I want just to let you know that I received my badge safely. We are ' having very wet weather up here. Our last teacher. Miss O'Donnell, left us about a fortnight ago, but we have another one now. I m 11 years of age. My birthday \ tws on April 4.—Yours truly, I LADY OF THE NILE. Dear Dot, —We have been having a gale this last week—the severest one 3ince the big gale of four years ago. Some people say this gale was a worse one, bu J though it was quite bad enough we think not, as then the wind was a rough blow, and not with lulls between the heavy gusts. There was a good bit of snow on the hills, which viade it pretty oold outside. The rind was ver; strong and blustery, and sometimes it could be heard roaring a gocd way off before you could see the trees bending with it. Several of the pine tress around the orchard have been blown down, and also oartis of some of the apple trees. We managed to get all the apples except a few small ones pulled, and if we hadn't had ?hat done most of them would have been iying on the ground in a damaged condition. Most of the ones left on the trees were knocked off, and West Coaster and I got them —31 buckets in all, gathered up on Friday afternoon between the showers. The , river was running bankers on Thursday, We could see the water leaping and dancing about quite plainly from here. Damage has been done in all different parts of the coast, and the wind blew fiercely, the papear says. To-day it is looking fine, and there was a little rain in the morning. One asorning the kitten, Barney, was coming on 1 to the table, and my brother hit him twice with a newspaper. When it came inside again it seemed vers and appeared to be hurt, so I caught it, and found that the tail was out of joint half-way down,

but we put it back again as best we could. Barney carries his tail curiously yet, and there is a lump where it was hurt. Being wet one morning my brother and Blue Violet took the five cats and four kittens out to the barn to catch the mice while they turned things over. I went out some time later, and everything being strange to them the kittens were running away instead of staying where they were wanted. They knew what mice were, as their mothsr is used to bringing them some., and they oauigh* a few as the bags were turned ">ut. Beulah caught one, and then ran into a corner to play with it, the oats watching her. She picked it up by any part of its body and then let it down, and when it tried to get away she just caught it again. It was a wonder she did not get bitten, considering th'9 way she was holding it. It gat in behind a couple of bottles against the wall, and Beulah was looking about for it when she saw it. Then she pushed one bottle aside and got it again. It is said that a oat plays with a mouse before killing it to learn how to catch them smart!y. When we went up on the Icift to turn over the sheaves Beulah wa3 so excited that she rushed about and war.-ted to play instead of hunting. We had to keep putting her on top to let her get a chance to catch some. When the oats ciaught one we took it away, so as tci make them catch more. I tried to take one from one of the kittens, but it hung on to it for all it was worth. I had to let it go at last, as it would have scratched me badly if I had held on. We knew that Beulah caught -six, anyway, and the others worked well. My brother thought that there must have been a hundred killed altogether. The kittens were very friendly for two or three days after, and they were seen going to the barn as if they wanted to have another hunt. Ome of my sisters found the kittens on the rack over the kitchen range to-day. There was a chair in front of the fire, and they must have got on it and then jumped up. They went to sleep on a coat that was drying. It is a nice warm spot, but they weren't allowed to linger long there. It was smart of them to think of such a ching, wasn't it. Dot? One day when West Coaster, Blue Violet, and I were going over a paddock taking out ragweed I came across a- hare isleep in the grass at the outside of a swamp. I passed within a foot of it, and was surprised to find it was asleep. I got in behind and called Wese Coaster, who came up; and it was stilJ there when Blue Violet, who was further away, came. We started to laugh, and It woke with a start, and rushed away across the paddock in a hurry. The hare could not get into the swamp, as it was full of water, so had made a place outside. It was the first one T had seen for a long time, but about five minutes later Blue Violet saw another a- main or so away. Fancy finding a hare asleep! One day we were down in one of the bush paddocks, when T found a funny-looking insect on the side of a tree trunk. It was black, with a body ljin Icmg and a trunk 2in long, with feelers on the end. It had six legs, and the eyes were where the trunk left the head. Blue Violet put it in a handkerchief and brought it home, and my brother said it was a tree elephant. I shall now close. With love to all the D.L.F. and yourself,—Yours truly, WATER LILY. [You have upset one o& our old sayings. Water Lily. Isn't there one to the effect that "You don't oatoh a hare asleep?" But you have just shown that it oa-n be done. You must have given the poor creature a great fright, for you know bciw timid they are, don't you? I have been most interested in all your letter, Water Lily, although I oannot reply to it at length within the limits of our page; but you must at least be told that I was glad to get it, and interested, as I knorw many others will b 2 , to read it—DOTJ Dea.r Dot, —I know two D.L.F., and Lily of the Vale is my sister. I am 11 years years old, and am in the Fourth Standard. I have not missed one half-day this year. We have had two and a-half weeks' holiday already. I have a number of books, amioaie them " Mother's Little Girl," " Christie's Old Organ," " Clarice Egerton's Life-story," "Four, and What They Did," "The Two Friends of Forley," " The Storm of Life," " That Girl." and many others. You may think this letter very short, Dot, but news is °caroe, so I shall stcip.—Yours truly, QUEEN VOLILLA. [Yes, you guessed the riddle quite correctly. Do you, know any yourself?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I gave Gold Dust a little black kitten, and he gave me a pair of guinea pigs in return, but I am sorry to say one of the little things died. It is very cold up here at present. The snow can be seen lying on- the mountain tops. My mother is away for a holiday, but I expect her home to-morr.crw morning. There was >a great storm here on Thursday night, and all the apples .and pears were blown off the trees. With love to Dolly Varden, Green Bush, Dolly Gray, and Queen o' the M'ay.—Yours truly, LADY BESS. [I am so sorry your little guinea pig died. Will you he able to get another mate for the one that is left?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote to you I have left school. I got three prizes and one certificate at the break-up. There was a gale here on Thursday night, which did a deal of damage. One person's gig was blown over the fence and broken to pieces, and another person's fowlhouse was blown over. I received your autos, Sally Horner, Mollie Malone, and Biddy M'aloney, and th.ank you very much. You will think I am never going to write to you, Ruby, and also Une Pomme Rosee, but I shall write when I get time. I am going to O'amaru to work for my sister soon, but I don't know exactly when. What has become of you, Queen of tiie Mine? I have not seen a lettoi from you for a long time. With love to Dolly Gray and all the D.L.F., —Yours truly, GREEN SHRUB'S SISTER, [We had the same storm as you had—indeed!, it was felt all over the islands, I believe. A good many people had broken sleep that night, hadn't they?—DOT] Dear Dot, —The weather was stormy up here last week, but it is nioe this week. Winter is coming very close. It freezes hard up here now. We had great excitement -here tq-night. Our old black oat oamie home after being away three or four m.cnths. She had been caiught in a trap, for her leg is broken. The children used often to talk about the -oor cat, and their faces all turned bright when they saw the cat home again.—Yours truly, EVERiLASTiNG DAISY. Dear Dot, —Here I am once again! You will perhaps have been wondering if such a person as myself is still in existence; but I yery seldom see the Witness now, end, one gets out „~.f the way of writing. We have teen having very disagreeable weather here the last few days—wind' and rain together. There .are quite a number of new writers since I last wrote to the page; the number of D.L.F. must be increasing every week. I have been here for over a year now, and intend to stay for the winter. I am very fond of reading, and have read a good num- I

bsr of books. Wo live just opposite the library here, so we need never run short, though I think the best are well picked over "We have gas in our little town now, and it is quite a novelty; it is to be lit in our church for the first time to-night, so I suppose a good few people will turn out to see it I was out for a little while chis afternoon, but was glad to get back to the fire. Hoping you will find room for this note in the D.L.F. Page, I will sloae with love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, _ ELMO ALT. [lt i 3 indeed a long time since' we heard from you, Elmo Alt, and-1 .am all the more delighted to get a letter now. You will find the gas a great convenience, I am sure. What had you by way of street lamps before? Nothing at all, perhaps. Now you will feel you live in quite a, city.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—This is my first letter to your page, and I hope you will let me join your happy band. 1 am 11 years of age, and I am in the x'hi.rd Standard at school. We have a nice view of the bush from the back of our house, but the river is between us. . It is unfortunate, for I 'ike to go to the. bush to gather ferns and bush flowers. We had a boat for a while, and used to get the men to row us across one riveia.nd up the mouth of another one that runs into it. We had a lovely view of the bueh reflected in the water. I have a pet lamb. Three of my sisters write to the page. J go to Menzies' Ferry School. I have nine listers and one brother. I know a few D.L.F. about here. We have been halving very bad weather this last day or two. It is raining very hard to-day. I hope to give you more news next time I write. — Yours truly, L. K. G. [ls the river very wide? Perhaps some day you will have a boat again, and will be able to ferry yourself across . Is that impossible?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—The names of the books I have read are " Velvet and Rags," " Annie Bourne," " That. Boy Tom," and " The Evil Eye." There is "■ new teacher at Avondale School. He was at our school for a week. The autumn flowers are on 1 , now, and they are very pretty. There is a< riddle in the Witness given by Lady Mabel's Bridesmaid: What is it that has neither flesh nor blood, and yet has four fingers and a thumb? I should say the answer was " a glove." Do you think that is right. Dot? I was ait a party last Saturday. There were about 20 children there, and it commenced 1 at 1 o'clock in the afternoon. We played games till about 5 o'clock, and then we had tea, and all left for home about half-past 6. The trappers are busy rabbiting just now. My father ir rabbiting this year. With kind regards to all the L.F., —Yours truly, LILY OF THE DELL. [I think you have guessed the riddle correctly. I guessed that answer, too.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very wet weather lately. I am going to Invercargill next month to visit my sister, -and I hope to. have a fine day when I go. I have been, ill for a long time, and the doctor said I should have to leave school. The days pass slowly now I am at home. Weary Wowser has to go to school alone, ~-nd he cornea home very late at night. Sweetheart May was teaching me music, but she went to Oamaru to live. I have not heard from her for a long time. Well, Dot, J am helping to cook the 'tea, so I shall close this letter. With love to all he D.L.F. and yourself,—tours truly, HEARTSEASE. [I am very sorry indeed vo hear that ycu have had to leave school on account of your health, little Heart's Ease, I have written your nam? that way purposely, because I think it is such a beautiful name, and one gets the full' neaning of it that way, I hope you get quite strong again. Write and tell mo haw you are getting on, won'* ycu?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is a most glorious day. We had rain last night, and it has made everything look so nice and clear outside. The hills and plain seem to enjoy the fresh air as well as ourselves. A cool air is blowing—hardly to be calle.l wind. It is indeed a day for every heart to be gay. Everything seems to join in one delightful scng. Not a cloud marks the blue sky, thougn this "doming it was raining. I suppose very few people would be out of bed then. I think I shall have a climb over the hills this afternon. Our puss has .a very bad leg just now. but the pup is still full of mischief. A mate of mine said she would write to you, but she could not find a name, so I told her to take my name and put II behind it, and I would put a I, so that you would know us. Do you mind ? If you U'ould like as to change I shall let her keep ray name and change mine to Professor Schamba. With love to Lady Madge, Lilian's Mate, and to all the Little Folk, —Yours truly, THE LITTLE MINISTER, [There is no need for you b have a I after your name. The first person to take a name never does. If your friend puts II that is quite sufficient. Will you tell her I shall be glad to hear from her?— DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are going to have our quarterly axamlination, and then we are going to get holidays. I am learning music this time from Miss Bell, and I like music, but I do not like practising. We have been having awful weather up here. There were very great floods last week.—Yours truly, APPLEBY., Dear Dot, —I went to the Oamiaru sports, arid I enjoyed then? very miuch. Some of the men were racing on bicycles, and seme of them had nasty accidents. We have had some very heavy gales, and it blew one person's cart over a fence and broke it to pieces. It also blew the iron off another person's house. Most of our Easter holidays I spent in rabbiting. Rabbit skins are very dear now. - You can get 6d a ekin if the skins are good. Have you seen Hal ley's comet yet? I have not seen it, but when it is visible I am going to be on the lookout for it. We are expecting the inspector any time now, and we are very anxious about him. I shall be glad when, the visit is lover. With love tc E. L. M.. Chips, Dolly Gray, Golden Glory, and all the rest of the D.L.F., not forgetting my odd chum Yankee Doodle.—Yours truly, THE STAR OF BRUNSWICK. [No, I hare not seen the comet yet, but, like you, I am. hoping to see it soon. It has been seen, by several people in Dunedin, and is visible about 5 in the morning, near Venus, which is a brilliant object at present.—DOT.] D'ear Dot, —I received autos from Dolly Gray and Longwood Blossom, and I shall send mine in return in a few days' time. The weather here is very dry and windy, and the miners have water to work with. I suppose we shall soon be getting winter holidays at oiur school. I do not like the cold weather, but it is nioe to slide on the ice when it is here. Sometimes we have fine fun snowballing in the winter when the snow is here. —Yours truly, GOLD DUST. [You have not had any ice or snow yet,

■ have you, Golil Dust? It is early to be thinking of anything quits so chilly.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —There has been 2. lot of rain here, and the creeks are all flooded. The roads are very muddy We have started to play football, and I like playing. It is a little rough to play. We played Orawia at cricket. We beat them. They go.t 40 runs and we got 85. Cricket is a very good game. We have a lot of fun at school. We ; have 12 pigs and five cows, and also nine working horses. I ride to school. It is three miler from here. —Yours truly, SANDOW. Bear Dot,—There has been a good bit of rain here, and we did not go to' school for two. days. The sr.ow came down very low on the hills. My brothers were out shootin" to-day, and I went witi_ them. We got a "good many rabbits, but we had to walk »' long way. I used to have a white rabbit, bur, it got out of the box one day and I lost it. I have a little grey kitten, and my brother has one, too. They are both playful things, and I often have great romps with them. We are milking six cows, but I don't milk now. There ii a nice flower garden at our school, and we often help our teacher to dig It up and clean out the weeds. —Yours truly, SANEY. Dear Dot,—lt aas been snowing here today. Just fancy snow on the 15th of April? It has been wet and .cold since Sunday. I had to go to school in the srow this morning. The girls in our class take theii slippers to school, because it is so cold. I had a badge giver to me, so I shall not want to send foi one now. The Jeacher we had at the beginning of the year rias gone to live. in Dunedin, and we have the teacher we had last year. My kitty had its foot caught in a rabbit trap. It came home with its foot all swollen, and I bathed it in hot water. Our other cat cams home once before after having its foot caught in a rabbit irap. I was in bed last Saturday and Sunday. I must have caught cold. I go to the Technical School to learn cooking. All the girls in the Fifth Sixth, -Mid Seventh Standards have to go. I see that somebody has taken for her N.D.P. my Christian name, and they spel! it as I do, with two " n's'" in it — Jeannette. Very few spell it right over here. I think J shall close now. With love to all L.F. and yourself,—Yours truly. CORNSTALK. ["Jeannette" is a French name, dear. How do you come to have it? It corresponds in French to oui Janet Off Jeannie. It is a name I like verj much. Perhaps the other little Jeannette wil' write. to you.— DOT."" Dear Dot,—As my sister was writing to the page I thought I should like to write also. We got three days' Widay at Easter, -which we spent rabbiting, and enjoyed ourselves very much. ; \T like my father to come with us when we go rabbiting, as we get a lot more rabbits. Dolly Gray sent me an auto. L. am going to send her mine soon. It was blowing very hard here the othei night, and I got frightened, as I thought it was going to blow our house away. I don't know what to write about to-night, as my sister has taken all the news, sc I shall have to write first next time, and get some of the news in my letter. I shall now close this letter. With love to Colonial Boy and Dolly Gray,—Youra truly, MARTIN RATTLER. fl was frightened once, too, when I was ycux age, Mlartin Rattler, but it was the noise of the ocean, not the wind, that frightened me. It always seems so much worse at night, doesn't it ?—DOT.] - Dear Dot, —It is lime I wrote you a few lines again to show you I have not forgotten you. Dolly Varden, my cousin, wrote last week. She is "two years older than I. You' asked, mis if 1 can make all my doll's clothes. Well, my mother cuts them out for me and tacks them together, and I sew them. Sometimes there are places where I cannot sew, but my mother sews fchem for ! me. My brother gave Lady Bess a. pair of guinea pigs, but one of them died a day after she "got them, so he is going to give her another one soon. 1 shall close now. With love to Giulia, Golden Glory, and Dolly Gray,—Yours truly, QUEEN O' THE MAY [I arr> so glad you can make your doll's clothe 3 yourself. It is like being a real little mother to her when you can do that, isn't it?—DOT.] n .... ; Dear Dot, —We have had our examination, but we are not into ; new books yet. I | got booke at our school concert called " Deer- | foot in the Forest" and " The ScalpI hunters." They are very nice books My : sister has a pet lamb of her own, and its i name is Violet. A number of people have I influenza about hero. ; ' It 'ias been very rough weathei lately. We had •» number of apples this year. There, aire a good few pigeons in the bush, ahd ; there are a number of rabbits. There .are nearly as many ferrets as rabbits. I often go into the bush to gather birds' eggs.'--rYours truly, ■'; . BELL BIRD. Dear Dot,—This is my first letter to you, and I hope you will let me join the D.L.F. and be one of your happy band. I am 12 • years old, and am in the Fifth Standard. There are 26 children going to our school. We are having very bad weather just now; it is so cold and raining. I was the only one *t school on Friday; because it was so wet. A great many of the boys have colds. We are milking six cows now. I somietimes set scone rabbit traps, but hiave not set "aiy lately.—Youri. truly, ,:' SANDFLY 11. [I am very glad! to have you for one of my D.L.F., and have sent you badge.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —Did you ever read a book named " Charles Lorraine " ? It is very interesting We have been having very bad weather lately, but I have hopes that it will clear up. Was the editor wanting a photo of the Halloway School in the early days? If so I can lend one if he will return it. My father was one of the little boys when it was taken, and it is 42 year 3 since then. You asked me last time where I got my nom-de-plume from. Well, I shall tell you. Once my cousin had a hobby-horse, and as it had no tail my grandfather out on another, so auntie named it Larry Bobtail. With love . to Longwood Blossom, Cronje, Lily of the Nile, Blue Ribbon, Mutton Chops, and A Telescope,— Yours truly, LARRY BOBTAIL [I have given your message about ths photo to the editor, and your address, Larry Bobtail. He says that he will write to you if he wants the photograph.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was so glad to see my last letter in print that I thought I -would try my luck again. Yes, Dot, to my regret I am in the hospital as a patient; but I hope it will not be for long. Riverton Hosj pital is better than Dunedin in many ways, | and I am getting on fine. Reading the Little i Folk's letters, I see Shepherd gave a riddle — ; There was Mr Bigger, Mrs Bigger, and j Baby Bigger—which is the biggest of the ; three? Well, I should say Baby Bigger; j is that right, Shepherd? I suppose it is 1 wrong. I would like to know who Tea O'clock is; I have an idea, but I am n«*

sure. I wish I could find out, but I will find 9ut in time. There was snow here the other day, but it did not lie on the ground. I hope it will not snow again till I get up, tor I like to be out in the snow, and frost, too. Love to Sunflower 11, Mozart, and yourself.—Yours truly, SNOWDRIFT. [We shall ell wish hard that you will Boon be well enough to leave hospital. Snowdrift, and perhaps that will help you to recover. If you are so anxious to know Ten O’Clock, why do you not put a notice in the Auto. Column asking him—or her—to correspond with you?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is about six months since I last wrote. We are going to have a school concert soon. We are having bad weather just now. We have some grand games at school. My little sister is writing to you to-night. I like reading, and I got a nice school prize at Christmas called “ Some Other Children.” We have not many flowers out now.—Yours truly. CLAREMONT'. [I should like to hear a little about “ Some Other Children,” Claremont; is it a book of short stories, or is it all one long story; and were they good children or naughty children?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have five dolls and I often take them out for a walk. There was a man trapping rabbits on this place, and one of our oats got caught in one of his traps and got its leg broken. It was so bad that we bad to drown it. We were so sorry about it, as it was our nicest cat. My grandfather made me such a nice little cart, and I bring firewood to the house for my mother in it. We are milking three cowstheir names are Nell, Brindle, and Bluey.—Yours truly, TEMUEA. [That is a very useful thing to do with your little cart, dear, and I am sure your mother must be glad to have a little girl who helps her like that. —DOT.] - Dear Dot, —We have had very rough weather this week; we have had snow, hail, wind, and rain in one day. Longwood Blossom has been persuading me for a long time to write to you, and I am writing to you at last. I am learning music now, and I like it very well. Longwood Blossom has just come home from her holidays, and she enjoyed herself very much. We are in the new school now, and it is nice and • cosy.— Yours truly, LILY BLOSSOM. MY LITTLE DOLL. By Charles Kingsley. (Prom “ The Water Babies.”) I once had a sweet little doll, dears, The prettiest doll in the world; Her cheeks were so red and so white, dears, And her hair was so charmingly curled. And I lost my poor little dloll, dears. As I played in the heath one day; And X cried for more than a week, dears. But I never could find where she lay. I found my poor little- doll, dears, ’ As I played in the heath one day; Polks say she is terribly changed, dears. Per her paint is all washed away. And her arms trodden off by the cows, dears, And her hair not the least bit curled; Yet for old sake’s sake she is still, deers. The prettiest doll in the world. AUTOS. Lily Blossom (Miss M. Black, care Mrs P. Brown, Bonnie Cottage, S. Riverton) wishes to exchange post-cards and autos with Primrose, Bruce, and Blue Ribbon. T arena, (care Mrs B. Smith, Gore st., Bluff) wishes to exchange post-cards with any D.L.P. willing. The Star of Brunswick (T. Howe, P. 0., Maerewhenua) wishes to exchange autos and post-cards with Crown Peak and Valiev Violet. Cornstalk (Jeannette Waugh, Richmond Grove, Invercargill) would like to exchange auto-cards with Jeannette. ■ Bell Bird (P.O. , Niagara) would like to exchange post-cards with any D.L.P. willing. Ruby Diamond (Miss R. M. Watson, Orawia Post Office, via Otantau) wishes to exchange past-cards with Marjory, Orange Blossom, Airlie, Muta, Inky Bill, Seabreezes, Golden Fern, Wairaki Violet, and any other D.L.P. willing. Prompt replies. Heartsease (care Mrs Wheeler, Waiwera S.) wishes to exchange autos and post-cards with Nelson’s Victory, Yellow Thunder, and any other D.L.F. willing. BADGES. Badges sent to Snowdrift, Dynamite, Sandfly IT.

AUTO. CARDS. Sent to Martin Rattler and Cornstalk