School boys, and the boys of the National Schools, all eagerly striving for the honour of being the best boy-Dux. No, there are no "Dux" in charity schools, although there may be a few geese to be plucked. Who is the best boy is the great inquiry of the parish notables; perhaps the squire, may be the parson, may be the squire's wife, or the parson's wife, and what is almost as good, the farmer and his noble housewife and these sit in grand state, and hear the boys read the parable of the Good Samaritan, and see the grand caligraphy of a Christmas piece, "Mend your manners," emblazoned, and showing the heraldry of "coloured prints," glorious with red and yellow.

It is a pleasant sight to see; but even more pleasant is it to watch the countenance of the youngster when a compeer makes a blunder in his spelling, or when his own sum comes right almost of its own accord. The flush of triumph on his cheek is like the rosy ray of the golden dawn, and the smile of satisfaction from the parson and the parson's lady, and the squire and squire's lady, and the farmer and the farmer's wife, are all of them worthy of contemplation.

When the examination is ended, and the prizes awarded, what various feelings agitate the breasts of the boys as they go to their homes. The successful ones burning with anxiety to show their parents the fruits of their good conduct; and of the unsuccessful-what can we say of them-only to hope they mentally resolve to work harder, and be more attentive during the next year, and strive to win not only a prize, but what is better still, the approving smile of their friends.

Thanks, then, to those who take to the poor boys-to the "charity brats," as they are called. Their purpose is a worthy and congenial one at Christmas-time, and with it the "festival" that follows, and is not unworthy of Him who

blessed little children, and turned the water into wine-who is ever anxious that the young should turn to Him. He is no particular respecter of "clever boys," or "diligent boys," or "heroic boys," but gives the crown of His smile to "good boys," such as partake of His love, and who are striving to do their duty both to God and man.