Little Things: Introduction

Dear Children, — Did you ever see a bird’s nest? Did you ever look closely at it? Did you ever observe how wisely and cleverly it is made? There are few things so beautiful and well-contrived as a bird’s nest

Millions of nests are made by old birds every year. Millions of young birds are hatched and reared in them. There would soon be no more thrushes, and larks, and nightingales, if there were no nests.

The most beautiful Bird’s Nest I ever saw was made of stone and timber, and not of twigs and moss. It was not made by the bills and claws of birds, but by the hands of isaaxv. O^isisjofc^ what kind of a nest do you think this was? am sure you will never guess, and so I must U you.

The bird’s nest which I thought so beautif is a large house in Ireland, at a place callc Kingstown. It is a house built by kind peop to take in boys and girls who have no friend Once received into this house, these boys ar girls are washed, and clothed, and fed, ai taught, until they are old enough to get the own living. Children, do you not think tl “Bird’s Nest” was a very good name to give i this house?

Now, it costs a great deal of money to ke( up this “Bird’s Nest” in proper order. Tl clothes the poor friendless boys and girls we cost money; the food that they eat every 6i costs money; the teachers who teach the every day must be paid for their work; tl servants who help to keep the place clean mu have their wages; the house itself must I Aept in repair, AH this costs a. ©:eat deal

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money. Children, shall I tell you how some of this money is got?

Some of the money which goes to keep up the Kingstown “Bird’s Nest” is collected by little boys and girls in Dublin, who ask their friends to help. Think what a nice thing that is to do! How much better to collect money for the “Bird’s Nest,” than to waste it on sugar-plums, and cakes, and toys!

Children, when I was over in Dublin, I saw these little collectors of money for the “Bird’s Nest” gathered together. It was a very pleasant sight to my eyes to see so many little friends to the friendless, and helpers of the helpless. I made them a speech to encourage them and cheer them on. This is the speech of which you have part now before you. I hope it will do you good.

Children, would you not like to help the “Bird’s Nest” yourselves? If you would, I will tell you what to do. Send some money to “Mrs. Smylie, Merrion Square DuJilixs.” s tell her it is for the Kingstown “Bird’s Nest,” and I am sure she will be very thankful Send it in postage stamps, or by a post office order. But remember to say who it came from, or else she will not be able to write and thank yotu