The Nursery, February 1878, Vol. XXIII, No. 2

On a bright, cold winter day Lucy straps on her skates and heads out onto a glass‑smooth pond, her loyal black dog Ebony trotting beside her. She fashions a makeshift harness from scarves, turning the dog into a playful locomotive as they race across the ice, singing a jaunty tune. A sudden slip sends both tumbling, but Lucy’s quick wit and Ebony’s faithful presence keep them safe, and they glide home just in time for dinner.

The collection continues with a lively sketch of three mischievous bandits, each distinct in look and temperament, whose daring exploits invite readers to imagine how to outwit such rascals. Another tale follows a gentle colt named Daisy, adored by her family yet prone to harmless thievery—stealing custard, apple pies, and even enduring an unkind visitor’s prank. Through these charming episodes, young listeners are treated to humor, kindness, and the simple joys of childhood imagination.