I AM COME said the great Teacher they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly. This is an idea worth thinking about as the Christmas season draws near and we find ourselves in the toy shop, choosing for children their tools of play. In order that we may make or select play materials that will satisfy them and make for their development, we should give careful thought to the adaptability and appropriateness of the toys. A few guiding principles should help us in this selection. Consider the age of the child and the stage of his physical development. Infants very early learn the qualities of objects through their senses. They enjoy touching and handling toys which make a noise, but not too much noise. Rattles with bells are apt to frighten infants, and they do not like the taste or feeling of rubber toys. Metal rattles are objectionable to them because of the coldness and hardness of the metal. Playthings large enough for the infant to pick up and handle asily should be provided at this stage, such as a small nest of bright colored blocks, a nest of small rainbow-colored hoops, non-breakable celluloid rattles and dolls, baby puzzles and baby pegs. The infant's toys should provide exercise for his large muscles and should not throw a burden on his fine muscles. When the infant begins to walk, his toys should stimulate him to physical activity: to climb, to push, to roll, and to pull. A large ball to roll, a wagon to pull, and steps to climb will provide for this stage of development. Beginning with the second year there should be a few playthings too heavy for the child to move himself, such as two sandpapered, heavy soap boxes, a board with which to form a bridge or an incline and a four-gallon keg which may be purchased for one and a half dollars. These stimulate the child to seek the help of other children and he reby learns a lesson in cooperation. At about two years of age the infant passes into the period of childhood and into what might be termed a strong imaginative period. With clay, children from two to six years become bakers; with wagons, they become grocers; with taxis, they work in a garage; with dolls, doll carriages, dishes, tables, and playhouses, they become fathers and mothers; with simple inexpensive musical instruments, they become musicians. Toys of this kind initiate children into real life activities. Among other valuable toys for children at this age are blocks, a large assortment of wooden animals, picture-books with clear pictures of separate objects, a small velocipede, carts, wagons, trains, boats, telephones, crayons, pencils, paper, and balls. At nine years children need playA NEST OF BLOCKS