BUNNY’S ESCAPE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3782, 7 September 1926, Page 83

BUNNY’S ESCAPE.

By

M. M.

(Illustrated by DumblX.) (Coptricht.—Fob the Witness.) Bosun, the black spaniel, lay with his head between his paws in front of his kennel. It seemed that everything was free and happy but himself. From where lie lay, he could watch the cattle lazily wandering about the fields, moving from one patch of rich grass to another. Tim and Beauty, the children's ponies, with heads up and manes flying, were racing to the opposite side of the paddock in pretended fright at a traction engine puffing along the road. Puss was sitting in the sun, contentedly watching her kittens as they chased their tails or rolled and tumbled over one another. Bosun growled low in his throat. It was miserable being chained up. One of the kittens, tired of playing, wandered off by itself to see what it could find. As it passed by, Bosun made a sudden leap at it, tugging his chain hard. Next moment, to his surprise, he landed all in a heap on the ground, bumping his nose, while puss scuttled away in fright. Snap! his collar had broken.

“Woof, woof,” lie barked. “Now I am free,” and lie tore round and round in delight, then across the pacFdock, determined to get as far away as possible from that horrid chain. Now, several times before, when Bosun had been out hunting, he had chased a rabbit whose burrow was in a sandy bank in the side of a hill. Eich nine Bunny had escaped into this burrow just as Bosun was about to snap him up. “This time I’ll get him, though. I’ll crunch his bones for supper to-night,” thought Bosun. So away lie went through a hole he knew in the gorse hedge in the direction of Bunny’s burrow. * * •* Now, Bunny knew’ that Bosun would dearly love to catch him, for had not been chased many times? Last week he had had a very narrow escape. It was lucky for him that his burrow was handy that day. Thinking it over afterwards, Bunny’s thoughts were troubled “That dog is a nuisance! I cannot go near the turnip field now but what lie chases me. This will never do.” And lie settled himself to think. On the following night, if you had been watching Bunny, you would have wondered what he was about. Soon after the moon rose over the hills he silently hopped out of his burrow and looked carefully about him. For a time he sat there, listening intently. Far away he could hear dogs harking, among them Bosun, who seemed to be saying “I’ll get you yet. I’ll get you yet.” “I don’t know so much about that,” said Bunny, and lie chuckled to himself. After one final look to see that the coast was clear, he set off for that very hedge through which Bosun had come many times in the hope of catching him. * * * The afternoon was warm and sunny as Bosun made his way up the hillside to Bunny’s burrow. 'He had made up his mind to eateh him that day or never. Jf he couldn’t catch him in the t nip .afield, then he’d get him in his burrow. "He won’t get away this time,” ho growled. “A dozen burrows won’t save him now."

As he came near the burrow lie saw Bunny, who was sunning himself in

the sand, sit up straight and disappear. Bosun sprang forward. “Ah! You are at home this afternoon, I see. I’ll get you now! I’ll get you now!” lie said, and, barking furiously, he poked his nose as far dow r n as he could to frighten poor Bunny. Far down in that burrow Bunny laughed to himself. Did Bosun know that there was a newly-dug burrow out to the top of the sandbank? Bosun began to dig with his paws to make the opening larger. The soft sand he sent flying in all directions behind him. Every now and then he paused and gave great loud sniffs, after which he would bark excitedly and then set to work with his paws more furiously than ever. The burrow went deeper as it lengthened, and he had to pile the sand higher and higher behind him as he worked. Do you know what that high pile of sand hid? Bosun didn’t.

He dug and dug, working hard. “Just a minute, Mr Bunny, and you’ll eat no more meals in the turnip field,” lie rumbled. From somewhere he heard a muffled voice which seemed to say, “He, he! Ha, ha!” With an angry bark he set to again, determined to have that Bunny. But what was this? Bosun stopped short, a puzzled look on his face. The burrow had ended. He could hardly believe his own eyes. Where was that rabbit ? * * * Later in the afternoon, when a sad little dog witli a dirty nose and very tired paws was making his way home, a bunny poked his head out of a burrow he had made in the shelter of a gorse hedge one moonlight night! LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK. Motto.—W« write for the benefit o! others, not for ourselves. Dear Dot, —Since I wrote last my sister and brothers have had measles. Baby and I have escaped, but we may catch them yet. Tomboy Bess has not written yet. We are having our terra holidays. I like reading the ‘‘Chums’ World Tour.” One of our bantams was found dead the other morning. Not long ago dad set a hen on sixteen eggs. Dad is going to Burnside to-day to try to buy pigs. If he buys pigs I shaii ask you to give me names for them.—Your3 truly, FLIPP’S BBIDE (Dunedin). [Call your doll Victoria, Flipp's Bride. You must not write on the back of your letter.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have at last taken courage to write to your- page, and I hope you have room for me. It is very cold these mornings. I don’t like it, as 1 have to make the breakfast. Patricia Maud was in for a few minutes the other day. I tjrink she is going away for a holiday to-morr%w. Wo take the Witness every week now, and wrenjoy reading the Dot’* Little Folk. I have been crocheting all afternoon, and my eyes are suffering for it now. I do crochet work, also knitting. It passes the time, and I can't sit with my hands idle. It has been a glorious day to-day, too good to be inside. The gardens are beginning to look up now. I have a few flowers, not many though. I am waiting for some books. My brother is changing the library books. I hope ho brings a good one I like reading, especially Joseph Hocking’e, Ruby M. Ayres’, and Cecil Adair’s. There are other authors I like, but it would take up too much space to name them. I have just finished a good one by Gertrude Page, ‘‘The Edge of Beyond.” Best wishes to all the Little Folk and vourself.—Yours truly, * PADDY THE NEXT BEST THING (Otago). [Welcome, Pnddy the Next Best Thing. I wish you would read sours good author*.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am seven years old, apu in Standard I at school. I live about three miles from school, but I stayed with one of my aunties during the winter. Shs lives quite close to the school. 1 like reading the letters on your page, and have wanted to write for a long tims, but my mother said I could not write well enough. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, PAL OF MY DREAMS (Southland). [Welcome, Pal of My Dreams. You write well for Standard I.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We are having our term holidays, and I like holidays very much. The rain has made the ground so wet that one cannot dig it or put in vegetables. As daffodils are the earliest flowers, they have been appearing for some time now. This season the mornings have been very cold with frost, and I have heard everyone talking about having to be "up on the cold mornings. I am in Standard VI at school, and I hope to gain my proficiency. Love to yourself and all tko Little Folk.—Yours truly, A SPRIG 0’ WILD HEATH (Otago). [What is your chief holiday game, Sprig o’ Wild Heath? Are you going to high school next year?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l went to a friend’s evening last Saturday night, and enjoyed it very much. We had dancing and games, and one of the boys there did the Charleston, which I thought silly, though he was quick and light on his feet. I like these mornings when the frosi is on the ground. In the afternoon it is nice and clear and sunny. Dorothy Dimples is the only Dot's Little Folk I know yet, but ere long I hope *o make more friends from the other Little Folk. I think the badges look very nice, so I have made up my mind to buy one. I am in bed with the ’flu. Love to all the other Little Folk and your dear self.—Yours truly, DOROTHY DIMPLES’ PAL (Dunedin). [The badges are very neat, Dorothy Dimples’ Fal. Some of the new dancing steps are very peculiar.—DOT.] Dear Dot,— My brother, Meccano Boy, and I are not living in Invercargill now. We have been living in Dunedin since Christmas. We are here for good, and we like it much better. We both go to the High Street School. We find the schools here much harder than in Invercargill. I have just had my eleventh birthday, and I received a nice number of presents. Mum gave me a suitcase with my initials on it. It’s for my school books, and I am 60 proud of it. Love to all and yourself.—lours truly, AUNTIE’S DAISY BELL (Dunedin). [Do not change your name. Auntie’s Daisy Bell. You were a'lucky girl to receive those presents. —DOT.] Dear Dot-Since I last wrote I have had mumps, the same as nearly all the other children here. We are in our new school, and I like it very much. The official opening was last Tuesday, the 17th. The school children gave a concert in the evening, and I took part in a dialogue and a play. There are pictures here on Thursday night . I he name is "Hearts and Spurs.” Have you 6een it? My father is going to start ploughing to-morrow. He has a Fordson tractor now. We have holidays, and when we go back to school, on September 1, we shall have our new school teacher. Hs is coming from Bannockburn. We play basketball at school,-but we are going to have a hockey ground at the new school, I think. I am going for my proficiency this year, so I hope I am successful. Love to all and yourself.— Yours truly, LADY MORELL’S MATE (Central Otago). [There is no English Little Folk of just your age, Lady Morsll’a Mate. I have not seen the picture.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The Waimate School was closed on August 19 for the second term holidays. We start school again on September 7. Mischief May lias been top of the class at both term examinations this year. I am not near the top. I always fail in arithmetic every time. I pass in all other subjects. I shall try to do better with arithmetic next thus. The Salvation Army Life Saving Guards gave a demonstration concert on August 25. The girls wore their new uniforms for the first time, and they all looked very nice. It is the first concert of that kind to bs held in Waimate. We ail enjoyed it very much. Mischief May and I have been busy sewing 6inee we had our holidays. Mother is teaching us to fnake our own clothes. We are supposed to have sewing every Thursday at school, but sometimes the teacher does not allow us to do any for four or five weeks. We saw by hand at school, but we use the sewing machine at home, and go along much faster. When my brothel's pull the buttons off tlieir clothes, mother makes them sew the buttons on again. She does not believe in spoiling them. I hope you have managed to keep clear of the ’flu. Love to Dot and all.— Yours truly, PURPLE PANSY (South Canterbury). [Mother is sensible to teach you to sew, Purple Pansy. Can you work the machine well?—DOT.] Dear Dot—We are having our second term holidays. We are not going anywhere for our holidays, but we can always have good times at home. The other day one of my brothers made some scones, but mother would not eat any, as eho said she did not wish to be sick, but of course she was only teasing. Father helped to eat them, but he was not sick. My eldest brother made a cake last Christmas, and he says he will make another this Christmas, if he can find enough spiders and flies. He calls the sultanas spiders and the currants flies. Purple Pansy and I have a cooking competition sometimes, too. I was at the W'aimate Salvation Army's forty-third anniversary social on August 3, and enjoyed it. The Salvation Array Silver Band played two very good marches. There were several songs, recitations, and a solo on a swanee whistle, after which supper was handed round. I, was also at the concert given by the life-saving guards, which was excellent. I expect you will soon be using the blue pencil. Love to you and all.—Yours truly, MISCHIEF MAY (South Canterbury)." [I have to use my blue pencil freely sometimes, Mischief May. I hear you have been doing well at school.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —While the weather has bee:i fine, my eldest sister is trying to make a flowsr garden. She has planted jonquils, carnations, primroses, and violets. We are having holidays, so I am having a good time. Our school teacher has gone away to Woolaton to teach, so I suppose we will be having a now one. Wo have a Scotch man working for us. He is an immigrant from Home, and he came out on the R.M.S. Athenio. At school the girls play basket ball, which I think is a very good game. I am captain of the basket ball team. Do you like reading? I do. I have read nearly all my prizes. Some books which I have just read arc "At the Sign of the Windmill,” ‘‘Mates at Billabong,” ‘‘Audrey’* Old Man,” “Mary Slessor of Calabar,” and many others. I see that A Pink Carnation Bud often writes. The folk dances must be nice her school teacher teaches her. On Friday,

August 21), my two sisters went to a Scotch conceit in Outrarn, and they thought it was lovaly. They went in the bus. Some of the Little Folk write such interesting letters, especially Red Ragger and A Lass From the Land of Logs. We are milking three cows, one at night and threa in the morning. My sister is going into town on Friday, and coming out on J**pday. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, TOM MIX (Taieri). [I like reading, Tom Mix. Do you find captain a responsible position?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—The weather here has been gorgeous, almost like summer. I wish that there were more hills around here. I love hills. Do you? No, I am not in the school teams here. I had the opportunity, but I did not take it. The footballers from the Christchurch Technical College went to Greymouth, and they won their game, but lost at Reefton. I had a tooth out to-day, and you may (if you have ever had one out) imagine how miserable I feel now. Love to all.—'Yours truly, A CANTERBURY LASS (Leeston). [I like hills, Canterbury Lass. I hope your tooth is soon better. —DOT.] Dear Dot. —We have a hen with ten little black chickens. They are about two weeks old. We have also another hen sitting on twelve eggs, ar.u we hope most of them. will hatch. One of our cows has just come into milk, and she has a pretty little heifer calf. We are going to keep the calf until it grows up. We have two weeks’ holiday from school, and we have Marcie, Duchess of Allanholme staying with us. The Ailanholme coal mine is on our property, and most of the coal out of it goes to Christchurch and round about Waimate. The coal is carted from the mine by a motor lorry, which sometimes calls three times a day, so a number of tons of coal are sold. Some of our sheep have such dear little lambs. One sheep has twin lambs. We have dug up our flower garden, and have planted some of our vegetable seeds. One day last week we had »■ heavy fall of rain, and it made the ground too wet to dig. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, SNOWY FLAKE (Waimate). [Have you any pet lambs, Snowy Flake? Have you been in the coal mine?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Our school bazaar, for which we school children have been preparing for the last fortnight or more, came off last night, ending with a great success. As there was no hall to hold it in, it was held in the school. In the afternoon a very large crowd was present, but at night a still larger one was present. There were many things to be guessed for, but although I entered for practically them all, I had not the luck to be the winner of anything. I »m never lucky at guessing for things. Are you ever lucky at those sort of things? We have just finished our secon<] term examination, and have commenced our fortnight's holiday. We girls have a seven-a-side hockey team at school. We entered for the tournament, but did not succeed in winning the medals, although we played in the final game. We were defeated by three goals to nil. We live in hopes of having better luck next time. I have just finished reading a very interesting book, namely, "A Tale of Two Cities.” by Charles Dickens. Have you read it? Most of us have had the influenza. I think those who escape are the best off. We have two very mischievous little nups, and they are into all the mischief they can find. I hope all the Little Folk and your own dear self are enjoying the best of health.—Yours truly, A' MAID OF THE MOUNTAINS (Balfour). [I am unlucky at guessing, too, Maid of the Mountains. I have read the book.— LOT.] Dear Dot, —We caught two hundred rabbits over the river. 1 am reading a book called "Oliver Twist.” When we were having our lunch on the lawn, my mother took our photos. I have four sisters and three brothers. We are having our spring holidays now. Our teacher is away to Alexandra for his exam. The claims here ar9 not started yet, for the frost is too hard. My father ’ caught 43 rabbits to-day. —Yours truly, TOMMY SPARROW (Nevis). [Do you like Oliver, Tommy Sparrow? Tell us of the claims. —DOT.] Dear Dot,-—ln the first term holidays 1 wa9 in the Tararua private hospital at Pahiatua having my tonsils out. I went under chloroform. I like it better than gas. Have you read "Alice in Wonderland,’’ "The Knights of the Round Table,” "Robin Hood and His Merry Men.” I have read them, and think they are very nice. Do you like reading? I do. I have just started to paint with mtau’s paints. 1 painted a spray of camellias and a ship. Dad said he would give me a million marks for th 3 camellias, and mum said she would, too. Our term holidays are on. I came first in Standard 111. I beat the one behind me by 153 marks. Dad saw one of our lambs chasing the hens. I supposa the lamb wondered what the hen was. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, BRIGHT NORTHERN STAR (Eketalvuna). [I like reading, and I have read all the books you mention, Bright Northern Star. —DOT.] Dear Dot—May I join your happy band? I am eight years of age, and 1 am in Standard I. Our holidays will soon be over now. We have had our second term exam., and I am top. I am reading a book called "Line upon Line,” and another called "Anne of Avonlea.' Mother say* I am a bookworm. Love to all and your dear self.— Yours truly, EAT (Kelso.) [Welcome, E A T, bht I must have vour private name and address. You must nave done well at school.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Spring is with us once again I am reading a very nice book called "Toni Brown’s School Days." I have a big doll which I bought at the Exhibition. Vvould you give me a name for it? We are having our term holidays, which I am enjoying very well. We are going to the Kawarau Dam ti see the gates put down. We have a five scatcr motor car to drive around in. I have two sisters and one brother, and we have some good fun playing hide-and-go-seek. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, MUM’S GIRL II (Arrowtown). [I wish I could have seen the Kawarau, Mum’s Girl 11. CiJl your doll Rosamund.— DOT.] Dear Dot,—Spring is here ones move, and tlio spring flowers and bulbs are coming out. I love the spring flowers. I eee a few letters in from her 9 lately. Our school teacher is leaving, and the school ohildren gave him ft small present, and lio is haying a send-off besides. Influenza has just arrived in our district, an 4 l have not had it. 1 do not very often catch influenza. There are a euchre party and dance here once a fortnight, but I have been to only one, which was the last. I hope I shall be able to go to the next, as I had an enjoyable

time. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, FAIRY FUCHSIA (Otago). [I suppose you are eorry to lose your teacher, Fairy Fuchsia. Are you having holidays ?-DOT.] Dear Dot,—As I have now passed the age when on 2 must put away one’s toys, it is with regret that 1 say au revoir to the page; still, as 1 have not been a constant writer, my letters will never be missed. The local spiusters and bachelors held their ball on the 13th, and it was rather a good little dance. About sixty couples took tha floor for the grand march, but of course a good many went home after supper. The dunce lasted until about 3 o clock, and even then one would have liked to have gone a little longer, as there hasn’t been a dance here for ages. On the Sunday before the ball some of tlia committee went for a trip up the lako to gather some ferns for decorations, so, of course, they were withered before the dance night. Still, the hall looked rather nice. I am expecting to go to a fancy dress ball in Pembroke on the Ist. I havo not made up my miind as to what I wear, but it won’t take long to think out some idsa. A fancy dress always makes it much more interesting, I always think, and if one has a mask on, it always adds to the fun of the evening. The next excitement hero will be the races. They are to be held on October 30, so it is to be hoped that it is a nice day, as there ia sure to be a good crowd there to watch the sport. Do you take much interest in horse racing? I don’t take very much, but I like to see the horsea running. Didn't Southland have a beating in the inter provincial match? Football was dead up here this year, as we simply couldn’t raise a local team at all, although there are enough young fellows about to form one. Isn’t the year fljing around? It will soon be Christina* time again, and I will not be sorry when summer comes with its long days. Well, Dot, as "Brevity is the soul of wit,” I will say au revoir, and retire to my place in the shadows. Love to yourself and the Little Folk.—Yours truly, LAMBDA (Hawea). [Every letter is missed, Lambda. I suppose the Little Folk must grow up soma day. I do not like horse races. Yes, Southland was well beaten.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —How arc you progressing these days? I have an ink pencil, a brown and yellow lead pencil, two bull dog rubbers, and a Swan fountain pen, so am well supplied with stationery, aren’t I ? I go to the library to see tee Witness. Doesn’t A Lass from the Land of Logs and her sister write interesting letters to the Witness? The Gore schools ha v e their term holidays. I write to Ann Pan. A small letter is better than none. I am going to write a letter to Beauty Box. Love to all the Little Folk and vour own dear .self. —Yours truly, THE GIRL FROM THE BUSH (Gore). [You are rich in pencils, Girl from the Bush. I wonder how long you will keep both your rubbers?—DOT.] Dear Dot—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am nine years of age, and I am in Standard 11. I go to the Edendale School with my two sisters and one brother. I am the youngest girl in our family. I have five sisters and one brother older than I am, and three brothers younger. Two of them don’t go to school. Wc have a cream pony, and its name is King, one cow, Patsy, and one cat, I early. My brothers and sisters and myself have just recovered from measles. Love to ail the Little Folk and your own dear self.— SPARKLING DEW (Southland). [Welcome, Sparkling Dew. Your name was taWm. Do you have fun with your sisters?—DOT.] Dear Oot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? i'am nine years old, and I am in Standard II at school. We have two motor cars. I went to the Exhibition m the Christmas holidays, and had a good time. We stayed at Green Island. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, CAPTAIN COOK’S MATE (Arrowtown). •[Your name was taken, Captain Cook’s Mate. Did you like our city?—DOT.] Dear Dot.—l am with my sister now. I left my other place at the end of June, after being there for nearly ten months. I thought it quite long enough, as I was tired of it. I always become tired of being in one place and seeing the same people and doing the same things day after day. I was told "I was at a very restless age.’ I had a letter from Tomboy Bess on Friday, and it was good to hear from her again. We always have such sport when wo are together. Last time she was here wo both had cameras, and it really wasn’t safo for anyone to come within range of our cameras, or he would snapped. We aro all bad with colds, the same as everybody else. The baby here has a cold. My wee nephew 19 a hard case. He is a mischiefmaker, and just loves to tease me in his way. They all say he takes after me, as I am a fairly good hand at tormenting people. I am going to Gore on Tuesday to receive mv false teeth. I had the impressions taken last Friday, and I am wondering what I shall look like with teeth after being without them so long. I had mv top teeth extracted last February. the boy is away just now, I have to go to the milking shed to help my brother-in-law. I have great sport putting the machines on. The shed is a fair way from the house if one goes round the road, but I generally go tha gully, and it’s steep. One dark mgnt I was coming home, and I put my foot in a hole, and came down. The billy of milk I was carrying was nearly spilled, but the handle was broken, and ran underneath my finger nails, so I have two very sore fingers Do you think long hair will come in again? I am allowing mine to grow, but everyone tells me to have semi-shingle, as long hair will never come in. I was at the pictures last Saturday night, but they were no good. My sister was her* last Saturday, and her wee girlie is starting to talk. She can walk, too. I like kiddies when they start to talk, as they sav such funny woe words. I am quite old now, Dot. I will have another birthday in a fortnight’s time, September* 10 I’ll soon be ancient.—Yours truly, SHEILA FLEETWOOD (Mataura). [You are by no means old yet, Sheila Fleetwood. I do pot think long hair will be popular for many years.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—May I join your happy band? I am in Standard 111. We have finished our second term test. I have not many marks for geography, as I did not know my towns. We have our violets and wallflowers out. I am learning to play the piano, and can play some hymns. Best love to all.—Yours truly, DADDY’S WEE WOMAN (Otago). [Welcome, Daddy’s Wee Woman. Do yott liko wallflowers’ scent?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We have holidays from school, and we don’t go back till September 7, so I have been in Oamaru for a holiday. I came home on Saturday night in the new Clayton steam engine. Buster Brown Eye* is going to live in Oamaru. I was in bod with a cold for two days. My father has finished rolling the wheat. We gathered 44 hens’ egg* on Sunday night. We have suta

% dear wea bull calf. I gave him a nams. We have a pup. I wonder if you would give me a name for it? Love to all.— xours truly,

CREAM ROSE (Duntroon). [Did you enjoy your holiday, Cream Rose? Call the puppy Sergeant.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is raining to-day, and on the Hunter Hills there is snow. We have our term holidays. Our exam, is now over, and I was second in my class. The spring flowers are coming out now, namely, daffodils, violets, pansies, and primroses. I have a flower garden in which I have daffodils, primroses, and violets, also two veronica trees, one white and one red. We have thirteen hives of bees, which are attended to by my eldest brother. Do you like honey? I do. I am making a cushion cover for sewing, and I am almost finished. When I am finished I am going to make a nightdress. In our garden we have potatoes and peas up, and Boy Nigger has radishes and lettuces up.—Yours truly, FLAXENHAIR (South Canterbury). [I like honey, especially with brown bread, Flaxenhair. Is it a large cushion cover?— DOT.] Dear Dot,—l was pleased to sea my first letter in print in the Witness. W r e are having our second term holidays. Our school concert was held on July 23, and my sister, brother, father, and myself went to it. We did not get home till after 12 o’clock. When we go back to school we will have a new teacher, as our other one is going away. My birthday is in September, when I shall be 12 years of age. We have 12 ducks, and we are receiving a good few eggs every day. One day we had 12 eggs from them. The flower gardens are beginning to look loysly now that the daffodils are coming out in flower. I am making myself a petticoat at school.— Yours truly, - TILLY (South Canterbury). [Were you acting in the school conceit, TiUjr? Have you any single daffodils?— Dear Dot,—l did not finish my exam, at school before the holidays, as I had a very bad cough, and was not allowed to go to school. Mother was afraid I was catching whooping cough. In tbe exam. I had four subjects, which were spelling, drawing, arithmetic, and writing. In spelling I received 20 out of 25, and I saw my schoolmate in Timaru, and she told me I had all my 6ums right, so I think our teacher is giving me my exam, when we go back from our holidays. My father, mother, and I went to Glenavy for a week’e holiday, and I had a beautiful time with my cousins. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, POPPY DAY (Tycho). [You must be thankful not to hav9 had whooping cough, Poppy Day. How many cousins have you?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am eleven, and in Standard 11, and one of ray brothers is ten, and in Standard 111, We have three dogs and two pups. Our hens are laying.—Yours truly, A LASS FROM SUNNY SOUTHLAND (Waihoaka). [Your brother must be clever, Lass from Sunny Southland.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,— Lately I have been reading a school story called “How Tom Made Good,” and it is' very interesting. My sister, Mother’s Brown Eyes, was very exited when she saw her first letter in print, and she likes writing to your page. I have just finished writing a letter to one of my correspondents, and she writes very nice letters. The spring flowers are very late this year, and our daffodils are only in bud. We aro having our fortnight’s holiday, and I am not enjoying mine very much, as I have nowhere to go. Our cat has not been very well lately, and I hope he is soon better. A great number of dogs have been poisoned lately, and the people around here are keeping theii dogs chained up in case they are poisoned. I am attending the dentist lately, and I do not like having my teeth drilled. My mother has gone out this afternoon, and I have had to stay at home and mind ray little sister.—Best love to you and your Little Folk.—Yours truly, THE OFFICE BOY (Dunedin) [I am pleased Mother’s Brown Eyes likeß our page, Office Boy. The little girl was not troublesonie to mind, was she?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Since I last wrote to you we have a baby sister called Maitel. She is six weeks old. We have nine lambs. The days are longer, and I hope they will be warmer soon. We are having our school holidays. We stay up a little longer at night, and sometimes play cards or scallyway. The spring flowers ar9 coming out, and we are going to sow some vegetable seeds this week. Dad sowed some oats one day last week. One of my sisters and a little brother are staying with grandma. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, ROSEBUD’S PAL (Otaio). [Do you love Maitel very much, Rosebud’s Pal? Where does grandma live?—DOT.] . Dear Dot,—Wo ore having our term holidays from school. I am spending mine at home. We went to a sale last week, and enjoyed ourselves. I have a new little sister, and we are calling her Gertrude Maitel. I help to mind her sometimes. I have four sisters and one brother. The days are longor, and we will soon have summer with us. My little sister has a doll called Jean, and is very fond of it. She likes to take it to bed with her. Bluebell II is staying at our place. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, HILLSIDE (Otaio). [That is a pretty name for the little sister, Hillside. Little girls like to cuddle dolls in bed.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Everybody is having holidays here. We have two months, and one month is nearly over. Holidays always pass too quickly. I am going to Killiarnan for my holidays this year, and I have every intention of enjoying them. Our countryside is looking lovely. All the trees and fields are green and full of life. It is delightful to go for a walk in the country when it is so pretty. I have a camera, and I have taken a few snaps with it. I am sending my first in 4* the chemist to-morrow. I am longing to them. I have a few correspondents, but my chief one is Lorraine Todd. She appears to be a very nice girl. Love to all the Little Folk and. yourself.—Yours truly, ROSS-SHIRE ROSIE 1 (Kiltarlity, Scotland).

[Tell us about your holiday, Ross-shire Rosie. I travelled along a narrow road with hedges on each side lately, and I thought how like it was to an English lane.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l was very pleased to see my first letter in the Witness. We have our school holidays now for a fortnight and a day. To-day my friend Roly Poly and I scrubbed our little hut, and had great fun. My only pet at present is a little canary. He is a nice little singer, and I am very fond of him. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly LfuLL DIMPLES (Oamaru). [How big is the hut, Doll Dimples? Have you had a canary before?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It will soon be summer. All the currants are in bud. Some of the floweis are out. My little sister is going to school next week. There are about 30 children going to our school. Our examination is over. The creeks are very high. We have a pup. I am in Standard 111. My brother is in Standard VI, and my sister is in Standard V. I am nine years old. My sister is 12, and my brother is 13. Our school has been closed with mumps. We have some hens and ducks. I am reading a book called “The Animals from Africa.” It is a library book from school. Our ducks are not laying. I have not seen Glory's letter in for a long time, or Exhibition’s. I have passed the exam., and my sister, and also my brother. —Yoms truly, BRAVE JOAN OF ARC (Otago). [Do you ever take puppy for a run, Brave Joan of Arc? What other books have you read?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I join 3’our happy band? I am seven years of age, and 1 am in Standard I. I have no sister or brothers. I have one little puppy, black and white Will you please give me a name for him? Best wishes to all Little Folk and your dear self. Best love to all.—Yours truly, FAIRYLEEN (Roxburgh). [Welcome, Fairy leen. Your name was taken. Cail the puppy Admiral.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Spring is here again, and it looks pretty to see some of the flowers in bloom. We are having our term holidays, and I ani having a good time. We go back to school on the 7th September. Mum is going to take me to the Returned Soldiers’ Choir on Wednesday night, and I think ’t will be lovely to hear a choir of men sing ing. 1 am going to join the Girl Guide. 3 soon. My brother Handy Jack was transferred into the Scouts a few weeks ago, and he likes them very much. Love to all the Little Folk, and yourself.—Yours truly, RED SALVIA (Dunedin) [lt is thrilling to hear a good choir of men, Red Salvia. Did you hear the Cossacks?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The hens are laying well. We are receiving nine and 10 eggs a day. All the ducks are laying. The spring flowers' are coming out. It makes a garden look more lively, especially after the dull winiei months. The trees are beginning to be green again. The fruit trees are out in blossom, so it won’t be long before there will be. plums, cherries, and gooseberries. The little lambs are beginning to appear. We have 10 young ones. The garden has ndt much in it. The weather has been too wet to do anything with it. The farmers are ploughing up their ground for their next year’s crops. He have finished our exam, and are having our holidays. I am thinking how glad I shall be when I leave school, but people say, “School days are the best.” We are milking two cows, and feeding six pigs. My mother is away for a day or two so I am chief cook. The hens are waiting for their food. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, PAW A SHELL (Southland). [We welcome the flowers after the winter, Pawa Shell. Make the most of your school days.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I hope you are all quite well. I should like to belong to your happy band of folk.—Yours truly, PURPLE PIXIE (Wellington). [Welcome, Purple Pixie. I have given you a nom de plume. You may write as often as you like under this name.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in the Witness. I have joined the Young Helpers’ League. I save cigaretie cards, and have now 121. All the trees are sprouting now f and will soon be green again. The daffodils are now blooming in most gardens. A few bees can be beard buzzing about from flower to flower. We have one week left of our holidays. Love to all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, CHATTER MAG (Winton). [How many cigarette cards do you need to complete your collection, Chatter Mag?] Dear Dot,—We had a fortnight for our term holidays. My mother thought she would go for a holiday. On Saturday morning my mother and my little sister went to a friend’s place at Dunedin. During the holidays two little boys and I went out bird-nesting, and we found a few eggs.— Yours truly, IRVINE (Winton). [Your sister and mother would enjoy the holiday, Irvine. Did you go away at all? DOT.] Dear Dot,—We had our term examination recently, and I came third with 343 marks, 53 marks higher than last exam. I have entered for the Winton Competitions. My entry was for a recitation. The name of tho poem is "The Daffodils.” In the Sunday school examination I did not do as good as I expected, my marks being 45 for Scripture and 40 for memory work. I was the only one that went in for memory work from here this time. We have learnt some of the Girl Guide dances now. We a few lambs.—Yours truly, ZELDA (Winton). [Do you often enter for competitions? Has your Sunday school a big roll?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Do you like lambs? We have 13. We have no pets yet, but we usually have some. Last Thursday night I was at a fancy dresa dance at Duntroon. On Saturday Leslie from the Flying Force and my other sister and I went to hockey practice. The rest of the family went to Kurow to see a seven-a-side “footy” tournament, which was won by a Maheno team. Next Saturday the town team plays the country. I hope the country wine, but I don’t think they will. They have never done so yet. I suppose you go to football sometimes. There is a hockey match between NgafJhra and Duntroon on Wednesday, but I will not be able to go, as it is a school day. I have two correspondents, namely, Ad Lucem and Lass from Windy Ridge. They both write very interesting letters. I have not heard from Soapsuds, so I hope that if she sees this she will write. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, YELLOW MOON MOTH (Oamaru). [I like lambs, Yellow Moon Moth. Where do you play in the hockey team?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l was very pleased to see my first letter in print. Laßt Saturday Maniototo played Waihemo at Naseby, and Waihemo won, eight points to nil. I was very pleased thev won because there were no men out of our team, and all Ihe other people from Naseby were pleased, too. We

have about 60 lambs now. It will be bird-nesting season next month, and I will write to you when I get a hundred eggs. I sold about 1200 eggs last year. We have our second term holidays now. Love to all Little Folk.—Yours truly, THE FAST FOOTBALLER. (Naseby). [What kind of eggs do you gather mostly, Fast Footballer? Football is nearly over now.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l must tell you about my latest accomplishment, namely, the art of riding. One night I decided that riding was easier than walking, eo I saddled up the horse, mounted, and set off for the cows. For the first five minutes I was busily occupied deciding whether I could stay on or fall off. When I found that I could eit in the saddle all right I discovered that the stirrups wei’9 too long, so I could only eit there and move up and down a« the horse moved. You can easily understand that I wasn’t very pleased with riding at (first, but now I like riding better than anything. At present I am spending a holiday with my sister at Gore. The other day we drove out to my sister’s farm. The county has built a dam up in the hills to supply Mataura with water. As it was the first time I had seen it, I was very interested. It is very pretty up at the dam. On three sides of it are hills covered with fern and cabbage trees. The dam itself is about two chains long by one wide. The water is held back by a thick concrete wall, the surplus running over the top and falling into the creek below. I daresay in the summer bhe creek below the dam will be dry, but at present the water thunders down the side of the dam into the creek. The water rushes out of the hills with sufficient force* to carry it right up over the hills, for a distance of four miles, into Mataura. There is a church at one side of the house here, and another at the back. It is lovely to hear the singing on Sundays and on choir practice nights. Kind regards to all and yourself.—Yours truly, A LITTLE GREY OWL (Southland). [Are there any perch swimming in the dam, Little Grey Owl? There are some in the reservoir here. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —There were pictures on here on the 25th. The name of them was “Hearts and Spurs.’’ I enjoyed them very much. They were about the West American ranches. Ranfurly played football here on the 23th, and defeated us by 21 points to 11. It started to rain just after half-time, and made it miserable for both players and spectators. It also rained the Saturday the Eastern County played and defeated Maniototo. Ranfurly has the flag for the season. I was at the dance on the 28th, and enjoyed myself very much. We have about 60 lambs now, and they are dear little things. My brother has had inflfienza, but I have nqt had it, nor do I want to. Best love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, PIKI AEERO (Naseby). [The Ranfurly team must be very proud to hold the flag for this season, Piki Arero. -DOT.] Dear Dot, —The electric wires are being fitted across the Waitaki River. The bridgebuilding gang is laying concrete foundations in the river bed to connect both sides of the river. The men work on Sunday, as they want to get the work done as soon as possible in case the river rises. When the snow begins to melt on the mountains the river rises very quickly. I live beside the Waitaki, and when the weather is warm mother takes us for picnics on the islands. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, SWEET DAISY (Glenavy). [You must be interested in the work over the Waitaki, Sweet Daisy.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Last Wednesday all the family went to New Plymouth to see some friends, while I stayed home and fed out hav and mangolds. My pal came and helped me. When we were finished we went to her place for dinner. At 4 o’clock I came home and set the fire going. Then I went and milked, and I had eight cows milked when they arrived home at 6 o'clock. I had my new married cousins here this afternoon, and we had a good time playing marbles, but I did not win. Dad won them all. We have 24 cows in, and I have to be up early .n the mornings, as there are only three of us to milk. Love to all.—Yours truly, SOME LASS (Mokoia). [You must be a quick milker, Some Lass. Do you play marbles “for keeps?”— DO]}.] Dear Dot, —We play leap frog at school, and I like it very much, although I do have a few tumbles. We will be having our second term exam, soon, and I don’t like them, but they have to be done, haven’t they? Cricket has started here. Spring is here again, and all the little buds that were sleeping all the winter are waking up and putting on their green dresses. There are quite a number of primroses out in my flower garden, and the daffodils will soon be out. We have two hens laying now. Kind regards to all.—Yours truly, A BUSH MAIDEN (Makarora). [How high can you leap, Bush Maiden? Would it not be queer to see two staid old frogs playing leap frog?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Spring is here once mole, and I am very glad, as I love warm days. Do you like reading? I do, and always enjoy a good book. I have had letters from Lady Burstaff, Fairy Cupid, Storm Country Polly, Nora Hayseed, and Dolly Dimple. To-day I was going messages, rain came on, and I became a bit wet, but I hurried home, took my coat, and went to eee our neighbour. Middlemarch played football against Poolborn —hence my nom de plume. It was flituto three. We are having our term holidays, and I am having good fun. I intend telling you something of the place where I was born —hence my nom de plume. It was situated about five miles from Mosgiel on the slope of a hill. About a chain from the homestead one entered a bush. Before entering the bush there was a hut, under which 22 weasels were caught. There was a glass place where grapes wsre grown. We grew tomatoes. The house contained !2 rooms, including two unfinished ones. When it rained it was hard to walk up the steep hill at the back. The Oddfellows are holding a ball on the 17th of September. The pictures are coming on Saturday, September 4. Kindest regards to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, DUNIRA (Central Otago). [I enjoy reading, Dunira. Have you long left tho place you were born?—DOl.j Dear Dot,—l have not written to you for a long time. We are just starting our term holidays. I was ill in bed with “flu” when they had the term exam, at school. I did not like to miss, so I will have to work hard when I go back to school after my holidays, to try and pass the next exam. There has been sickness around here. We have two cows in, and will have eight milking. The busy time is coming. My sister went to town to see the hockey tournament. I hope it will be fine while all the girls are in town, as it will be much better lor them, and more enjoyable. Do you like hookey? I like it. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, LONELY ROSE (Dipton).

[I like to see a good game of hockey, Lonely Rose. The tournament must have been interesting.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are now having our school holidays, and I am enjoying them very well. I am hoping I will pass my proficiency this year, and then I shall spend a year or two at high school. It is very cold in the morning, although it is spring, but it will soon grow milder. We have electrio poles up for the wires, and we also have the huts of tha bridge-building gang in front of our place. They will be here for over a month ? aa the men are putting piles in the Waitaki River for the wires. Last week Mum, and myself went to a euchre party ana dance, and also a concert and dance. £ enhjoyed myself very much. 'To-night there is a dance in aid of the tennis club, but I do not think I am gong. Two weeks ago our dog was knocked over by a motor car. and we were very sorry, as she was & lovely long-haired dog. We are using condensed milk, as none of our cows is m milk, but we hope to have them in soon. Scotty has been very ill, but she is now well again. It was said she was not going to live, but she is almost better now. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, THE LITTLE BRIDGEKEEPER (Glenavy). [I am 6orry your dog was killed, ’ Little Bridgekeeper. I suppose you are interested in the workmen.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 10 years old, and I am in Standard 111 at school. I am not well to-night, so my sister is writing this for me, and I am telling her what to put. We have a mile to walk to school, but we have our holidays just now. We had the cliaffcutter a few days ago, and it cut up the ground. Love to all.—Yours truly, THE LETTER CARRIER (Southland). [Yes, you may join, Letter Carrier. I hope you are better soon. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am sitting out in the sun on some straw writing this. My brother is in bed with an illness, and my mother thinks that he is getting the measles, too. We are milking five cows, four of which have been milking all the winter. The other one just came in a few days ago. We are having 13 and 14 eggs a day from, our hens. Our ducks are laying, too, but we have only four ducks. We have a big pool at our trough, and every day the ducks are' out in it. We generally find their eggs out by it. My brother and sister (Kathleen Mavourneen and Spring Box) used to write to the page, but they have not written for a long time. Spring is here once more, and the shrubs are becoming green again. The crocuses and daffodils are coming out now. Best wishes to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, GERANIUM (Southland). [Ducks always do seem to love to puddla in muddy water, Geranium. —DOT.] NOTES. Lady Morelia’s Mate.—The address of an English Little Folk is English Mayflower— M. Peart, Biaisdon, Longhope, Gloucester, England.—DOT. AUTOS. 9 Sparkling Dew (Nellie Milne, The Terrace, Edendale) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk from nine to 12 years of age, and wishes them to write first. The Office Boy (Sydney Roberts, 61 Cannington road, Maori Hill, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with The Managing Man, Cook’s Cobber, and Charming Irene. Will they please write first and soon? The Maid of the Mountains (Millie Brown, Balfour, Southland) wishes to correspond with Maid Margaret, and any other Littla Folk from 13 to 15 years of age. Will they kindly write first? Some Lass (Annie Lee, R. D. Mokoia, Hawcra) wishes Gwen and Mighty Deerfoot to write again, please.