THE SWAN AND THE DRAKE.

GOOD MORNING, BIRDIE!

CONFUCIUSLOWLY, in majestic silence,Sailed a Swan upon a lake;Round about him, never quiet,Swam a noisy quacking Drake.“Swan,” exclaimed the latter, halting,“I can scarcely comprehendWhy I never hear you talking:Are you really dumb, my friend?”

CONFUCIUS

LOWLY, in majestic silence,Sailed a Swan upon a lake;Round about him, never quiet,Swam a noisy quacking Drake.

“Swan,” exclaimed the latter, halting,“I can scarcely comprehendWhy I never hear you talking:Are you really dumb, my friend?”

Said the Swan, by way of answer:“I have wondered, when you makeSuch a shocking, senseless clatter,Whether you are deaf, Sir Drake!”Better, like the Swan, remain inSilence grave and dignified,Than keep, drake-like, ever prating,While your listeners deride.

W. R. E.

HIS industrious animal is generally found in Canada and the northern portions of the United States, where it makes its home on the banks of the rivers and lakes. Here they assemble in hundreds to assist each other in the construction of their dams, and in the building of their houses, which are put together with a considerable amount of engineering skill. The materials used in building the dams are wood, stones, and mud, which they collect themselves for that purpose, and after finishing the dam, or winter storehouse, they collect their stores for the winter's use, and then make a connection with their houses in the banks. Their skins are valuable in making fine hats, and their flesh is much relished by the hunters. The beaver is an interesting animal in many respects, and the expression “busy as a beaver” is borne out by its habits.

THE TURTLE-DOVE.THE CUCKOO.

THE TURTLE-DOVE.

THE CUCKOO.

THE PEACOCK.THE TAME, OR MUTE SWAN.

THE PEACOCK.

THE TAME, OR MUTE SWAN.

THE LIONESS AND CUBS.THE LEOPARD.

THE LIONESS AND CUBS.

THE LEOPARD.

THE SYRIAN BEAR.THE JACKAL.

THE SYRIAN BEAR.

THE JACKAL.

HE lioness is much smaller than the lion, and her form is more slender and graceful. She is devoid of the mane of her lord and master, and has four or five cubs at a birth, which are all born blind. The young lions are at first obscurely striped and spotted. They mew like cats, and are as playful as kittens. As they get older, the uniform color is gradually assumed. The mane appears in the males at the end of ten or twelve months, and at the age of eighteen months it is very considerably developed, and they begin to roar. Both in nature and in a state of captivity the lioness is very savage as soon as she becomes a mother, and the lion himself is then most to be dreaded, as he will then brave almost any risk for the sake of his lioness and family.

HE first fish I ever saw in an aquarium, twenty years ago, was a “Jack,” as he is called when young, or a “Pike,” when he grows older; and ever since then I have contrived to have a pet one, and this, drawn from life by Mr. Harrison Weir, is an accurate portrait of the one I now possess in the Crystal Palace Aquarium. There he is, just as he steals round the corner of a bit of rock. He is glaring at a minnow, at which he is taking most accurate aim; he hardly seems to move, but yet he does by a very trifling motion of the edge of his back fin—sometimes resting a little on the tips of his two foremost fins, as they touch the ground, carefully calculating his distance; and then, at the very moment when the minnow has got into a position which leaves a space of clear water in front, so that Mr. Jack shall not hurt his nose against any hard substance when he gets carried on by the violence of his rush, he darts at the minnow with the speed of Shakspeare's Puck:—

“I go, I go! look, how I go!Swifter than arrow from the Tartar's bow.”

FTEN in former years the twitter of the birds glittering in the morning sun was the first sound that met my ear during the wakeful hours which frequently accompany illness after the worst crisis has passed, and you are recovering by degrees. The gutters ran beneath my bedroom windows, and I could see the steel-blue backs of the swallows as they sat on the rims of the gutter, twisting their little heads, opening their yellow-lined beaks, singing to their hearts' content. Whole families would perch there together, or the young would rest in rows of four or five, according to the nest-broods of each. How delightful to see them fed by their agile parents! how tantalizing to have them almost within reach of my hands, yet not to be able to catch them or give them a kiss, as they would cower in my hollow hands if I only could have got them in there!

WHERE the St. Bernard Pass climbs upAmid the Alpine snows,The far-famed Hospice crowns the heightsWith shelter and repose.

HERE the St. Bernard Pass climbs upAmid the Alpine snows,The far-famed Hospice crowns the heightsWith shelter and repose.

Its inmates, with their faithful dogs,Are truly friends in needWhen snowdrifts block the traveler's way,And blinding storms mislead.Brave “Barry,” once, far down the trackThat crossed a glacier steep,Found buried deep beneath the snowA poor boy, fast asleep.He licked the cold, numb hands and faceTo warmth and life once more,And bore him safely on his backUp to the Hospice door.

COME TO ME!

G—THE GIRAFFE.FULL seventeen feet the Giraffe tallMeasures “from top to toe,”And with his neck outstretched can reachThe branch that bendeth low.

FULL seventeen feet the Giraffe tallMeasures “from top to toe,”And with his neck outstretched can reachThe branch that bendeth low.

H—THE HYENA.IN Asia and in AfricaThe fierce Hyenas prowl,And oft at night the traveler startsTo hear their savage howl.

IN Asia and in AfricaThe fierce Hyenas prowl,And oft at night the traveler startsTo hear their savage howl.

I—THE ICHNEUMON.A FOE to birds and rats and mice,See the Ichneumon glide!Oft, too, on reptiles or their eggsIts hungry teeth are tried.

A FOE to birds and rats and mice,See the Ichneumon glide!Oft, too, on reptiles or their eggsIts hungry teeth are tried.

OMETHING has startled them, as they fed securely enough, one would think, on the grass at the foot of the rocks; and if we could only get a little nearer, this is what we should hear the mother-deer saying to her baby: “My child, I am sure there is danger about; look out and tell me if you see the slightest movement on the hill yonder, or if I see it first, I will give you the signal, and you must follow me, and run for your very life.” And the baby, with cocked ears and glistening eyes, promises to do as it is told. But after all it will probably prove a false alarm, for this is not the time of year for deerstalking; and I dare say the noise they heard was made by a party of people coming up the valley below to see the waterfall, which is famous in the neighborhood.

HE Whooping Crane is much larger than the common crane, which it otherwise much resembles except in color; its plumage, in its adult state, is pure white, the tips of the wings black. He spends the winter in the southern parts of North America, and in summer migrates far northwards. The crane feeds on roots, seeds, etc., as well as on reptiles, worms, insects, and on some of the smaller quadrupeds. They journey in flocks from fifty to a hundred, and rise to an immense height in the air, uttering their loud harsh cries, and occasionally alighting to seek food in fields or marshes; and when they descend on a field they do sad havoc to the crops, several doing sentinel duty while the majority are feeding. In general it is a very peaceful bird, both in its own society and those of the forest.

THE RAVEN.THE RING-DOVE.

THE RAVEN.

THE RING-DOVE.

THE HOOPOE.THE COCK.

THE HOOPOE.

THE COCK.

THE IBEX, OR ROCK GOAT.DEER.

THE IBEX, OR ROCK GOAT.

DEER.

THE SYRIAN GOAT.THE ROE.

THE SYRIAN GOAT.

THE ROE.

HIS is the largest existing species of the deer family, and is a native of the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It grows to be six feet high and twelve hundred pounds in weight. They are very rare in Europe and this country, but at one time they extended as far south as the Ohio River. They love the woods and marshy places, and live off of the branches of trees, being unable to eat grass unless they get upon their knees. They are very timid, and not easily approached by the hunter, but should a dog come in the way, one stroke from an elk's foot will kill it. Many of the parents of our little friends in Maine and Canada are, no doubt, familiar with the elk and its habits.

HE “Daily News” says: “Our readers have often doubtless observed appeals in the papers for toys for sick children. We hear that a naturalist who feels much for animals is struck with the cruelty of leaving the creatures at the 'Zoo' without anything to play with. This gentleman had in his possession a young otter, for whom he made a wooden ball, to the extreme delight of his pet, who used to divert his simple instinct with it for whole hours at a stretch. Following up the idea, the same gentleman presented the elephants and rhinoceroses in the Zoological Gardens with globes for diversion suited to their sizes, but it seems the elephants took to playing ball so furiously, that 'there was danger of their houses being swept down altogether; so they were forbidden to use them indoors.' The polar bear was given a toy which, we are told, 'amuses him immensely.'”

HE other day our children came home delighted at having seen a little pig drinking out of a bottle, just like a baby. I went to see it, and I was introduced to its owner, who lived in a cottage, the principal room of which was painted light blue. A good-natured old woman was there with her two orphan grand-children. The red tiles of the cottage floor were enlivened by a gray-and-white cat, and a shiny-skinned little pig, of about a month old, which was fed out of a feeding-bottle. This was the hero of the place.

The little pig is grateful for good treatment, and as capable of attachment as a horse or a dog. The pig is intelligent, and it can be taught tricks. Performing pigs are often the attractions of country fairs. I have seen pigs in the poor neighborhoods of London follow their masters through noisy streets, and into busy public-houses, where they laid down at their masters' feet like a dog.

HEN a child, my father took me to see some feats performed by some traveling cats. They were called “the bell-ringers,” and were respectively named Jet, Blanche, Tom, Mop, and Tib.

Five bells were hung at regular intervals on a round hoop erected on a sort of stage. A rope was attached to each bell after the manner of church bells. At a given signal from their master, they all sprang to their feet, and at a second signal, each advanced to the ropes, and standing on their hind feet, stuck their front claws firmly into the ropes, which were in that part covered with worsted, or something of the kind, so as to give the claws a firmer hold. There was a moment's pause—then No. 1 pulled his or her rope, and so sounded the largest bell; No. 2 followed, then No. 3, and so on, till a regular peal was rung with almost as much precision and spirit as though it were human hands instead of cats' claws that effected it.

HE Guinea-pig is a native of South America, and is remarkable for the beauty and variety of its colors, and the neatness of its appearance. These little pets are very careful in keeping themselves and their offspring neat and tidy, and may be frequently seen smoothing and dressing their fur, somewhat in the manner of a cat. After having smoothed and dressed each other's fur, both turn their attention to their young, from whose coats they remove the smallest speck of dirt, at the same time trying to keep their hair smooth and unruffled. The Guinea-pig feeds on bread, grain, fruit, vegetables, tea leaves, and especially garden parsley, to which it is very partial. It generally gives birth to seven and eight young at a time, and they very soon are able to take care of themselves.

FAITHFUL FRIENDS.

J—THE JAY.METHINKS the Jay's a noisy bird,Yet now with crimson breast,Silent and fond, she watches o'erThe treasures of her nest.

METHINKS the Jay's a noisy bird,Yet now with crimson breast,Silent and fond, she watches o'erThe treasures of her nest.

K—THE KANGAROO.THE timid Kangaroo frequentsThe wild Australian brakes;With long hind-legs and fore-legs shortTremendous leaps he takes.

THE timid Kangaroo frequentsThe wild Australian brakes;With long hind-legs and fore-legs shortTremendous leaps he takes.

L—THE LION.WITH tawny hide and flowing mane,And loud-resounding roar,Of animals the Lion's king,And all bow down before.

WITH tawny hide and flowing mane,And loud-resounding roar,Of animals the Lion's king,And all bow down before.

CONFUCIUSAITING for master to come down the stair,Are “Noble” and “Floss,” and his favorite mare—“Brenda” the gentle, with skin soft and gray,Waiting the signal, “Now off and away.”

CONFUCIUS

AITING for master to come down the stair,Are “Noble” and “Floss,” and his favorite mare—“Brenda” the gentle, with skin soft and gray,Waiting the signal, “Now off and away.”

Noble stands holding the whip and the rein,His gaze fixed on Brenda, who tosses her mane;While dear little Floss sits quietly by,Winking and blinking her liquid brown eye.Master's so kind to them—nothing to fearHave horse or dogs when his footsteps they hear;Look how they're waiting with eagerness there,Ready to go with him everywhere.And what a pleasure it is when these threeThere on the staircase their kind master see;Now he is mounted, the waiting is o'er—Floss, Brenda, and Noble race off from the door.

THE BABOON.THE ORANG-OUTAN.

THE BABOON.

THE ORANG-OUTAN.

THE BARBARY APE.THE MARIMONDA.

THE BARBARY APE.

THE MARIMONDA.

THE FOUR-HORNED RAM.THE CHAMOIS.

THE FOUR-HORNED RAM.

THE CHAMOIS.

THE ETHIOPIAN HOG.THE OTTER.

THE ETHIOPIAN HOG.

THE OTTER.

HE Argus is a bird with magnificent plumage; it inhabits the forests of Java and Sumatra, and takes its place beside the pheasant, from which it only differs in being unprovided with spurs, and by the extraordinary development of the secondary feathers of the wings in the male. The tail is large and round, and the two middle feathers are extremely long and quite straight. When paraded, as it struts round the female, spreading its wings and tail, this bird presents to the dazzled eye of the spectator two splendid bronze-colored fans, upon which is sprinkled a profusion of bright marks much resembling eyes. It owes its name of Argus to these spots.

ALITTLE Monkey chanced to findA walnut in its outward rind;He snatched the prize with eager haste,And bit it, but its bitter tasteSoon made him throw the fruit away.Soon made him throw the fruit away.“I've heard,” he cried, “my mother say(But she was wrong), the fruit was good;Preserve me from such bitter food!”A monkey by experience taught,The falling prize with pleasure caught;Took off the husk and broke the shell,The kernel peeled, and liked it well.“Walnuts,” said he, “are good and sweet,But must be opened ere you eat.”And thus in life you'll always findLabor comes first—reward behind.

LITTLE Monkey chanced to findA walnut in its outward rind;He snatched the prize with eager haste,And bit it, but its bitter tasteSoon made him throw the fruit away.Soon made him throw the fruit away.“I've heard,” he cried, “my mother say(But she was wrong), the fruit was good;Preserve me from such bitter food!”A monkey by experience taught,The falling prize with pleasure caught;Took off the husk and broke the shell,The kernel peeled, and liked it well.“Walnuts,” said he, “are good and sweet,But must be opened ere you eat.”And thus in life you'll always findLabor comes first—reward behind.

NE summer's day on the banks of the river Tweed, in Scotland, a fox sat watching a brood of wild ducks feeding in the river. Presently a branch of a fir tree floated in their midst, which caused them to rise in the air, and after circling round for some time, they again settled down on their feeding ground. At short intervals this was repeated, the branch floating from the same direction, until the ducks took no further notice of it than allowing it to pass by. Mr. Reynard noticed this; so he got a larger branch than the others, and crouching down among the leaves, got afloat, and coming to the ducks, who took no notice of the branch, he seized two of the ducks, and then allowed himself to be floated to the other side, where, we suppose, he had a repast.

EE this monster of the forest uprooting trees, as a test of its strength before entering on a fight with one of its companions, which is often a bitter struggle for supremacy. There are two species of Elephants, the Indian and African; the ears of the latter are much larger than the Indian, covering the whole shoulder, and descending on the legs. Elephants live in herds, and each herd has a leader—generally the largest and most powerful animal—who exercises much control over the herd, directing its movements, and giving the signal in the case of danger. The trunk of the Elephant is of great service to it, and is a wonderful combination of muscle; Curier, the famous Naturalist, stating that there is not far short of 40,000 muscles, having distinct action, and so giving it an acute sense of touch and smell—so much so, that it can pick up a pin, or pluck the smallest leaf. The Elephant is generally about ten feet high, and sometimes reaches to twelve feet, and lives to the age of seventy or eighty years.

HERE is a curly retriever at Arundel bearing the name of “Shock,” which sets an example of good manners and intelligence to the animals which are not dumb. He carries the cat of the stables tenderly in his mouth, and would carry the kitten, but at present the kitten prefers its own means of locomotion. When Sanger's elephant got into trouble in the river Arun, this wise Shock was sent to turn him out, and his perseverance succeeded. He often will insist on carrying a bundle of umbrellas to the station, and safely he delivers them to their owners, and then, with many wags of his brown tail, he demands a halfpenny for his trouble. This halfpenny he carries to the nearest shop, lays it on the counter, and receives his biscuit in return. Need we say this dog has a kind, sensible master?

SUMMER.

M—THE MANDRILL.IN Africa the Mandrill lives,Full five feet tall he stands;With furrowed cheek-bones, tufted hair,And hairy arms and hands.

IN Africa the Mandrill lives,Full five feet tall he stands;With furrowed cheek-bones, tufted hair,And hairy arms and hands.

N—THE NYLGHAU.IN Hindustan's dense forest-depths,Among the tangled groves,With slender limbs but powerful frameThe shapely Nylghau roves.

IN Hindustan's dense forest-depths,Among the tangled groves,With slender limbs but powerful frameThe shapely Nylghau roves.

O—THE OSTRICH.O'ER desert sands the Ostrich skims,Beneath a burning sky;Swift as the swiftest horse he runs,But has no wings to fly.

O'ER desert sands the Ostrich skims,Beneath a burning sky;Swift as the swiftest horse he runs,But has no wings to fly.

WHEN Spring's soft breath sets free the rills,And melts the Winter's hoards of snow,How fast they leap adown the hills,How wildly t'wards old ocean flow!Jack Frost! we gladly part with thee,For long indeed thy iron handHath crushed the flowers relentlesslyThat longed to brighten all the land.And now the busy plow can traceIts furrows through the fallow ground,While countless lovely blossoms graceThe blooming fruit trees all around.Yet though the snow amidst the brookIs gliding fast—it fain would stay,And as it takes a lingering look,Says:—“Listen ere I flow away!“Soon as Spring spoke its royal word,I humbly doffed my wintry cap—But when the north wind's voice was heard,I covered up the earth's green lap.“And gently swathed each baby flower,As snug as in a feather bed—Until in field, and wood, and bower,Their fragrance might be safely shed.“And now my snowdrops gaily ringA merry peal to herald May—And all rejoice at coming Spring,While I must hasten far away!”

HEN Spring's soft breath sets free the rills,And melts the Winter's hoards of snow,How fast they leap adown the hills,How wildly t'wards old ocean flow!Jack Frost! we gladly part with thee,For long indeed thy iron handHath crushed the flowers relentlesslyThat longed to brighten all the land.And now the busy plow can traceIts furrows through the fallow ground,While countless lovely blossoms graceThe blooming fruit trees all around.Yet though the snow amidst the brookIs gliding fast—it fain would stay,And as it takes a lingering look,Says:—“Listen ere I flow away!“Soon as Spring spoke its royal word,I humbly doffed my wintry cap—But when the north wind's voice was heard,I covered up the earth's green lap.“And gently swathed each baby flower,As snug as in a feather bed—Until in field, and wood, and bower,Their fragrance might be safely shed.“And now my snowdrops gaily ringA merry peal to herald May—And all rejoice at coming Spring,While I must hasten far away!”

NOW the corn has grown ripe in the Summer's hot days,And the reaping began with the sun's early rays,Mike and Jack since the morn,Have been cutting the corn,Which is bound up by Peggy and Sue;And gay, flaunting poppies and flow'rets of blueWag their heads o'er the sheaves and seem nodding at you.But when noon's sultry hour proves oppressively hot,The reapers look out for a cool, shady spot,And a respite they snatch,Their short meal to dispatch,And well earned indeed is their rest!While the children give chase to the hare that's hard prest,Or the bird by the harvest disturbed from her nest.For what care the children for heat or for work,At that age when all labor so gaily we shirk?Play, then, little ones, play,And enjoy while ye may,But to all of God's creatures be kind—Then when months have rolled by and left Summer behind,Its joys unalloyed shall still dwell in your mind.

OW the corn has grown ripe in the Summer's hot days,And the reaping began with the sun's early rays,Mike and Jack since the morn,Have been cutting the corn,Which is bound up by Peggy and Sue;And gay, flaunting poppies and flow'rets of blueWag their heads o'er the sheaves and seem nodding at you.But when noon's sultry hour proves oppressively hot,The reapers look out for a cool, shady spot,And a respite they snatch,Their short meal to dispatch,And well earned indeed is their rest!While the children give chase to the hare that's hard prest,Or the bird by the harvest disturbed from her nest.For what care the children for heat or for work,At that age when all labor so gaily we shirk?Play, then, little ones, play,And enjoy while ye may,But to all of God's creatures be kind—Then when months have rolled by and left Summer behind,Its joys unalloyed shall still dwell in your mind.

IMOTHY was our pet hedgehog. I bought him in Leadenhall Market, brought him home, and put him into the back-garden, which is walled in. There, to that extent, he had his liberty, and many, and many a time did I watch him from my study window walking about in the twilight among the grass, searching for worms and other insects. And very useful was he to the plants by so doing. When the dry weather came food got more scarce; then Timothy was fed with bread and milk from the back-kitchen window, which is on a level with the stone. Soon he came to know that when he was hungry there was the supply; and often he would come and scratch at the glass or at the back-door for his supper, and after getting it, walk off to the garden beds to make himself useful. Few people know of the great use of a hedgehog in a garden, or they would be more generally kept. Our Timothy, poor fellow, however, in spite of all his good qualities, came to a bad end. A strange dog coming one day, saw him walking about in search of his accustomed food, and pounced on him and bit him; still I had hopes of his recovery, but in a few days he died, and all of us were sorry.

GOLD ORE.SILVER ORE.

GOLD ORE.

SILVER ORE.

TIN ORE.IRON ORE.

TIN ORE.

IRON ORE.

NORTH AMERICANINDIAN.MONGOLIAN.

NORTH AMERICANINDIAN.

MONGOLIAN.

CAUCASIAN. HEADOF BELVEDERE APOLLO.CAUCASIAN.—MODERN TURK.

CAUCASIAN. HEADOF BELVEDERE APOLLO.

CAUCASIAN.—MODERN TURK.

NE Charles Durand, of whose travels and adventures a book has been written, owned a cockatoo, which he carried about with him on his journeys; the bird's name was Billy, and he seems to have been as wise as he was loving. Charles was asleep in his tent, when he was roused by a sharp, shrill cry of the bird, of “Time to rise! time to rise!” accompanied by a violent flapping of the wings. So awakened, Charles looked around, wondering what had disturbed his feathered friend. The cause was soon plain—a deadly snake lay coiled up close to his bed, prepared to spring on the defenseless man. Just when he thought that all hope was at an end, the brave cockatoo sprang from his perch, seized the reptile by the neck, and held him tight till his master could summon help.

was pike-fishing one season on the Dorset Stour below Canford Major, when on passing from one field to another, I disturbed a hare. The animal at once entered an open, dry drain, and I lost sight of her. Presently, as I silently made my way plying my rod by the bank, I saw her, this time without any appearance of alarm, take to the water, and making her way through the sedges. She put her head to the stream so that the force of the current, with but slight exertion by swimming on her part, carried her nearly in a straight line to the opposite bank. Here I watched her to see whether she would trundle herself like a dog, but she merely rested a bit, letting the water run from her, and then set off at a rattling pace across the mead, which doubtless soon thoroughly dried her.

THE breeze is somewhat cooler growing,The flowers less scent unfold—But see!—the luscious grape is growingWith purple or with gold.Now drain we upThe social cup,When music blithe invites us—Though Winter threatens from afarOur present mirth he shall not mar,While Autumn still delights us.Yes! Autumn brings the best of pleasures,With grape and garnered corn—And lays in stores of future treasuresTo glad the year unborn.What need we dread,When wine and breadGod's bounteous hand hath given?Oh! rather let our voices raise,In fervent hope and humble praise,A grateful hymn to Heaven!

HE breeze is somewhat cooler growing,The flowers less scent unfold—But see!—the luscious grape is growingWith purple or with gold.Now drain we upThe social cup,When music blithe invites us—Though Winter threatens from afarOur present mirth he shall not mar,While Autumn still delights us.Yes! Autumn brings the best of pleasures,With grape and garnered corn—And lays in stores of future treasuresTo glad the year unborn.What need we dread,When wine and breadGod's bounteous hand hath given?Oh! rather let our voices raise,In fervent hope and humble praise,A grateful hymn to Heaven!

TTERN Winter—most unwelcome guest!—The earth in whitest robes has drest;And hast'ning through the crunching snow,With tinkling bells, the sledges go.The leafless wood looks drear and sad,No birds sing now with voices glad;—But boys are romping far and wide,And o'er the ice delight to slide.When on the panes with frost encased,The mimic fir-trees may be traced,In spite of biting cold and snow,Poor housewives to the forest go.And there they gather moss to formTheir children's bed all soft and warm,And dried up twigs to make a blazeThat cheers the hearth with kindling rays.Their treasures next the ashes yield,And hot potatoes lie revealed,Which little hungry mouths invite,With dainty smell and welcome sight.Lord! all Thy ways are great and good!Thou giv'st e'en orphaned birds their food—Thy blessing and Thy fostering careAlike the hut and palace share!

TERN Winter—most unwelcome guest!—The earth in whitest robes has drest;And hast'ning through the crunching snow,With tinkling bells, the sledges go.The leafless wood looks drear and sad,No birds sing now with voices glad;—But boys are romping far and wide,And o'er the ice delight to slide.When on the panes with frost encased,The mimic fir-trees may be traced,In spite of biting cold and snow,Poor housewives to the forest go.And there they gather moss to formTheir children's bed all soft and warm,And dried up twigs to make a blazeThat cheers the hearth with kindling rays.Their treasures next the ashes yield,And hot potatoes lie revealed,Which little hungry mouths invite,With dainty smell and welcome sight.Lord! all Thy ways are great and good!Thou giv'st e'en orphaned birds their food—Thy blessing and Thy fostering careAlike the hut and palace share!

dare say you notice that all the birds in this picture have long beaks. We may be sure from this that they live in places and seek for their food in ways in which long beaks are just what they want. The fact is they are all marsh birds, and the soil of marshes being wet and soft, and full of worms, these long beaks enable them to probe it, and so get at the worms. I think the beaks of birds afford a striking example of how good God is in adapting creatures to the mode of life He has appointed for them. The eagles and hawks, you know, are provided with strong, short bills to enable them to seize and tear flesh. Those of canaries and all the finches are just the very instruments to crack seeds with. Parrots, with their tremendous weapons, can crush the hardest nuts of the tropic forest. The crossbill is fitted with a wonderful tool for tearing fir-cones to pieces. Robins and the other warblers have soft bills, which are all they want for eating insects and grubs.

Back to Index Next