FRUITS 



been the marauding proclivities of the neigh- 

 bors' boys. The appetite of the small boy, 

 and ^sometimes, alas! of the small girl, for 

 apples, pears, and cherries, enables them to 

 overcome all barriers, however high, and 

 circumvent all diligence, however watchful, 

 to procure the coveted fruit, and no pangs 

 are too severe to endure for its sake, often 

 taken when far from ripe, as the child's 

 mother later learns from a wakeful night. 



The idea of "mine" seems to be well 

 and clearly developed, but the definition of 

 "thine" is hazy and incomplete. It is strange 

 how badly brought up "other people's chil- 

 dren" often appear, while it seems that one's 

 own are generally little white angels! To 

 the birds we willingly give their portion of 

 the fruit, and when the small boy gener- 

 ously allows us a share, even a little fruit 

 garden will amply repay the owner for the 

 time and money spent upon it. 



