The Home-Maker Volume 1; An Illustrated Monthly Magazine (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1889 Excerpt: ...with difficulties. Until a baby has passed the age when he displays a tendency to stick everything in his mouth, great circumspection must be experienced in the choice of his toys. Who does not remember the elegy describing the fate of the infant whose parents recklessly presented him with a painted monkey? Little Willie had a purple painted monkey climbing on a yaller stick; And when he sucked the paint all off it made him deathly sick. And in his dying moments, he clasped that monkey in his hand, And bade farewell to earth, and went into a better land. Oh No more he'll shoot his sister with his little wooden gun, Oh No more he'll twist the pussy's tail, to make her yowl, for fun. Now pussy's tail it stands out straight. the gun is laid aside. The monkey doesn't jump around since little Willie died. In order that this luck may not be the fate of "Our Baby," we must be careful to choose playthings from which he can derive no harm even if he does attempt to cut his teeth upon them. Prominent among the safe articles to be given to children at this period of life is the great variety of rubber toys. Rubber dolls, balls, animals, and birds of all descriptions may be found. Those should be purchased that are entirely free from paint, and although possibly less life-like in appearance, they will please the babies just as well. A whole farm-yard may be provided for the little one's delectation. While these toys are not cheap at the outset, they are so durable that they will last long after playthings of less stout material have been destroyed by the heel of the wee Vandal who rules the nursery. Figures of animals may be procured that are carved from unpainted pine, and although they are more perishable than the rubber toys, they serve admirably as subs...