[Dedicated
With very kind regards to old Mr. John Taylor,
Who "thinks he might pass as a dormouse,"
(Three years in bed and never a grumble!).]

Once upon a time there was
a village shop. The name over
the window was "Ginger and
Pickles."

It was a little small shop
just the right size for Dolls—
Lucinda and Jane Doll-cook
always bought their groceries
at Ginger and Pickles.

The counter inside was a
convenient height for rabbits.
Ginger and Pickles sold red
spotty pocket handkerchiefs at
a penny three farthings.

They also sold sugar, and
snuff and galoshes.

In fact, although it was
such a small shop it sold
nearly everything—except a
few things that you want in
a hurry—like bootlaces, hair-
pins and mutton chops.

Ginger and Pickles were the
people who kept the shop.
Ginger was a yellow tomcat,
and Pickles was a terrier.

The rabbits were always a
little bit afraid of Pickles.