I am the eldest of six. I was thirteen years old on Midsummer-day,
so I thought I would write to the Post-office Box of HARPER'S YOUNG
PEOPLE. I have taken it since March, 1882. A lady teacher from
Chicago spent her vacation with us last summer, and while here her
little sisters sent her several numbers of YOUNG PEOPLE. I thought
them just splendid. After going home she sent me a number now and
again, but I wanted one every week, so my little cousin and I
together sent for it. I have never been out of Canada, but my
grandpa has been twice round the world, and I listen with much
interest when he speaks of the various countries he has visited. We
have a pretty school, and a nice walk to it through a wood by the
side of a creek. There are wild flowers in the bush, and you may
think what nice bouquets we gather. We all go to school. My papa is
a farmer, and we have lots of cattle and horses and many feathered
fowls. I must not forget to tell you the nice little present I got
from Chicago on my birthday. The same dear friend sent me a pretty
needle-book made by one of the Sisters of Charity in Chicago. I
prize it highly. They tell me Ontario is very much like the State
of New York. Have you ever, dear Postmistress, been in Ontario?
Everything is lovely here; all nature seems alive. I have quite a
number of pets: three cats (Bessie, Tom Barney, and Jennie), two
pet lambs (Jack and Tom), and a shaggy little dog named Tip, the
best of all. I think I will now close my letter by sending kind
wishes to you and to my little cousins over the line.