PATTY AND THE SQUIRREL

from McGuffey's Second Eclectic Reader

1. Little Patty lives in a log house near a great forest. She has no sisters, and her big brothers are away all day helping their father.

2. But Patty is never lonely; for, though the nearest house is miles away, she has many little friends. There are two squirrels that live in the woods that are her friends.

3. How did Patty teach them to be so tame? Patty came to the woods often, and was always so quiet and gentle that the squirrels soon found they need not be afraid of her.

4. She brought her bread and milk to eat under the trees, and was sure to leave crumbs for the squirrels.

5. When they came near, she sat very still and watched them. So, little by little, she made them her friends, till, at last, they would sit on her shoulder, and eat from her hand.

6. Patty even helps the squirrels build their summer and winter homes. Their summer homes are made of leaves, and sticks, and moss. Their winter homes are found in in hollow old trees.

7. Patty helps the squirrels and the squirrels help Patty not be lonely.

What do you think caused Patty to befriend the squirrels?