"Go look at
yourself
in the brook over
'-WMtff
fonder; you^ll surely agree with me that a moir
ridiculous bird than yourself never lived.
'-WMtff
fonder; you^ll surely agree with me that a moir
ridiculous bird than yourself never lived.
Childrens - Brownies
Into their noses had
been driven rings that almost made them bleed
when rooting in the ground. And what happi-
ness do you suppose life holds for a pig if he
cannot root?
The Brownies liked the donkey, for he seemed
such a patient, long suffering animal; but the
farmer's children made his life wretched -- they
beat him, they stoned him, they even took their
naughty little feet and kicked him.
The sheep suffered, and the horses, as they
dragged the plough through the hard earth or
hauled heavy loads along the sandy roads, felt
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? The Brownies and the Farmer. 23
when they might show their appreciation; and
while the lovers talked, they had gathered
silently around them. Then the Queen of the
Brownies spoke: "Good and lovely maiden, and
noble youth," said she, "we know of your trou-
bles, and we want to help you. Listen to what I
tell you, and you shall have riches in abundance.
Go, when I have finished talking, enter the
Briarly woods. There, in the hollow tree, you
will find a casket filled with bright and shining
gold; take it, spend it wisely, and take with it
the blessings and good will of the Brownies. "
It was a wonderful wedding present, and filled
the lovers' hearts with gTatitude.
The Broi/nies and the Farmer.
"? "^E Brownies were sorrowful, more sorrowful
lian they had ever been in their lives before,
and that is saying a gTcat deal; for Brownies,
you know, live such a long, long while, and the
saddest part of all was that there seemed no way
out Oi their trouble. The Brownies who lived
in tlve apple orchard saw it first, and when they
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? 24 l^^e Brownies and the Farmer.
told cfleir friends, all with one voice cried out:
"The wrong must be righted! "
Isow this was the trouble. Farmer Grump
had bought the Old Clover Farm, where the
Brownies had lived happily for years, and now
each day was full of trials and discomforts, for
this cruel farmer seemed always to be finding a
way to make the life of his stock miserable. The
cows had great boards tied over their eyes -- so
large that they could not see, and so heavy that
when the poor creatures went to crop the grass.
Bang! Bang! went the board against their
noses.
The pigs suffered, too. Into their noses had
been driven rings that almost made them bleed
when rooting in the ground. And what happi-
ness do you suppose life holds for a pig if he
cannot root?
The Brownies liked the donkey, for he seemed
such a patient, long suffering animal; but the
farmeris children made his life wretched -- they
beat him, they stoned him, they even took their
naughty little feet and kicked him.
The sheep suffered, and the horses, ai^ they
dragged the plough through the hard earth or
hauled heavy loads along the sandy roadsi, felt
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? The Brownies and the Farmer.
25
constantly the slash, slash of the farmer's cow-
hide whip.
Everything on the place suffered; so, do you
wonder the Brownies looked sorrowful?
At last they could stand it no longer, and all
met one night at the "Seek us further'^ tree^
^"'^^'^
cs^here the oldest Brownie lived. He had gotten
up in the limbs, so that all might hear, or, at
any rate, see him, and announced that thev nad
long witnessed these scenes of cruelty in silence,
but now something must be done, and they
wanted all the Brownies to help. He thought it
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? 26 The Brownies and the Farmer.
would be a good plan if they went when no one
was around, and whispered in the sufferers' ears
that the time had come when they must rebe).
They must stand up for their rights.
'hurrah! '' and "Three cheers! " cried the
Brownies in chorus, as they waved their funny
little hats. The farmer heard the noise, but he
thought it was only the wind blowing through
the trees in the apple orchard.
The meeting was dismissed, and quietly and
carefully the Brownies went about their work --
and they did it well, too; for the next morning,
when the farmer went to harness his horses, and,
as usual, brought the cruel w^hip down on their
back -- l? '^. found that two could play at the same
game, foi up wert the horses' heels, and sorry
trouble Farmer Grump had to get them hai^
nessed.
Then ihe pigs took their turn. They showed
their long white tusks, and acted so savagely
that the farmer left them in fright Even Ned,
the patient donkey, kicked up his heels, gal-
loped away, and no one could come near him.
Everything seemed possessed with the 8am6
Bpirit, and Farmer Grump went to his breakfast
the most puzzled man you could possibly find
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? The Brownies and tlie Farmer,
27
Bnt tlie animals won the day, for that very after-
noon tlie farmer went to town, and when he
came back he was carrying a large board painted
in great big letters, telling all the neighbors that
Ins stock was to be sold the very next daj. This
lie hung up by the roadside, and as it was market
day, the fprmers learned the news, as their tired
horses jogged slowly along towards homa Th^
decided that they would attend the sale, and
were on hand bright and early the next day.
The old farm place was crowded with buyera,
anjdous to get horses and pigs and other animala
for little money.
How happy the Brownies were as they
crowded aroimd, for the new owners had thrown
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? ? d
The Brownies and the Farmer.
^s-r^sw ~ . - _\F =^^>>> ? >>-<<
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? The Brownies' Ride 2$
the cruel devices of Farmer Gnimp away. They
were happy when they thought of the good
homes these poor animals had found -- but
gladdest of all were they when they thought of
l^ed, for Widow Love had bought him to cart
to market the beautiful butter that she made
every week. They knew that she would be very
kind and gentle to their old friend. That he
would have the softest of straw for his bed at
night, and the finest oats for his dinner, while
there would be no cruel children to beat and
kick him and make his life miserable. Xed lived,
a long while to enjoy this beautiful home, and
the Brownies always found him a faithful
servant
The Brownies' Ride.
"Are you in the humor for a lark, boys? ^' It
was Dot, the very smallest, and, as everybody
knows, the most mischievous of all the Brownies,
who said it.
'^e are that! " was the reply.
They were coming home from school, these
Brownie boys, and dinner pails and books were
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? y> The Brownies* Ride*
tlirown down at once while they crowded around
Dot to hear of the prospective fun.
"You know that clover field to tlie right a^
the big stone house," he began, "^^ell, some
time ago Grimes put up a sign, which read:
Horses taken to Pasture. ' You should see the
ittck he has had. I guess as many as a doaem
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? The Brownies* Ride. 51
borses are running around in that pasture field
It's bad for them to do nothing but eat all day,
so I thought we would be doing a good thing for
them, and for ourselves too, if to-nighL^ -- ^you
know it is moon-light -- ^we borrow these horses
and go for a ride. "
You should have heard the yells of delight
with which this scheme was greeted. IN^obody
but approved, except, of course. Croak; he al-
ways objects to everything.
The plan was for them to meet at the school-
house at ten o'clock, then go together to the
pasture lot. A number of the Brownies were tc
bring ropes, which they would tie around the
horses' necks, and haul them into the road.
The hour came; the Brownies met, and the
work began. They had forgotten saddles, but
some of them crawled through the windows in
the harness maker's shop and came back loaded
with both saddles and bridles. Such a time as
they had getting them on, and so many Brownies
had been invited that there were not enough
horses to go around; so two, and sometimes three
saddles must be put on one horse.
All wa<< ready at last, and off they started. It
was so funny to see them. Some of them actually
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? 3i The Quarrel.
hung on to the stirrup straps. Things went
pretty smoothly at first, but, oh my! what a
difference by and by. Saddles slipped, bridles
came undone, and the Brownie boys, and even
the poor horses, went over and rolled aroimd in
the mud. But the bitter must be taken with the
sweet, so nobody dared complain. When the
ride was over, and the horses and harness were
put in their proper places, everybody pronounced
it one of the best frolics he had ever had in hi3
Efe.
The Quarrel.
They were rivals -- the Gobbler and tho
Gander. Their home was at the Brookside
Farm, and it would be hard to find a prettier
home than this. It was a big old-fashioned
house, and it had stood for years and years. The
brook ran along on one side, and day after day it
babbled as it flowed, and the little daisies lifted
up their pretty heads to listen to its merry
songs, and when night came their drowsy head?
dropped as the brook murmured a low, sweet
lullaby.
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? The Quarrel. -^3
The gander had been enjoying the cool, ckar
waters of the brook. He had thought himself a
very beautiful bird, as he sailed gracefully up
and do^vn, arching his long white neck mth a
perfect air of contentment. The other geese at
the farm were quite young, some of them so
young that they looked like little lumps of yel-
low gold as they plunged boldly into the water.
And why should they fear? For the brook had
murmured, coaxingly: "Come, little baby bird.
Come bathe in my waters; I will not hurt you;
I will sing you low, pretty songs. " The gander
remembered when the brook had gently called
to him, and he smiled as he thought how long
ago.
His swim over, he had come on shore, and
once more donned his cap and trousers, and even
better satisfied than ever, had started home for
his dinner.
"Ha! Ha! Ha! '' he heai-d behind him, and
again, "Ha! Hal Ha! " Turning around, whom
should he see but the gobbler rigged in his very
best, his tail spread out just as wide as he could
get it, and looking very grand indeed, even the
gander had to admit as much as his eyes rested
upon him.
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? 34
The Quarrel.
'TDon't you think you are a sight ! ^ said the
Oohbler.
"Go look at yourself in the brook over
'-WMtff
fonder; you^ll surely agree with me that a moir
ridiculous bird than yourself never lived. "
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? The Quarrel. 33
^^Eidiciiloiis, indeed! '' replied the angry-
Gander. "K you but knew what a sight you
were, never again would you strut around the
baxuyardi"
*^Strut do you call it? " exclaimed the GobDit? r.
*T. pride myself that my walk is most elegant
Now, if I waddled as you do I'd hang my head
with shame. ''
**'Tis hut your jealousy that makes you talk
so," said the Gander; "you think because you are
tall and your legs are long, that you'll be much
admired and praised -- but people do not notice
you when I am sailing on the waters; then it is
that you must stand in the backgTound, and my
short legs and broad-web feet serve me as your
feet and legs never can you. "
TVord followed word, and these foolish birds
grew angrier all the time. The rooster stopped
the quarrel, for their loud words had attracted
the other birds. 'T)o you know," said he, "you
have kept up this foolish nonsense so long that
now you have lost your dinner? 'Tis an hour
ago since Ann came with her shining tin pan
full of com, but you paid no attention to her.
Today's loss is a small loss, but it might have
been much greater. Do hereafter remembof
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? 36 The Dissatisfied Owl.
your positions, and try to act more like grown-up
fowls, than like two tiny, newly-katcked birds.
Remember tkat the little folks of the barnyard
look to you as an example. "
The Dissatisfied Owl.
Blutky Winky was a little gray owl that lived
in the plum tree at the meeting of the cross-
roads. He slept all day, and at night perched on
one of the branches and greeted the wagons as
they went by with a low "Whoo! Whoo! " He
did not mean to be inquisitive, only pleasant and
friendly, at least that is what he used to do, but
now he has grown very quiet and solemn, and
heeds not the wagons as they go rumbling by.
The lark had been the cause of all the trouble.
In the early spring she had come to live across
the road from Blinky, and her song, so sweet
and clear, filled his whole heart with wonder
and awe. ^T. i the lark can sing,'' thought
Blinlvy, "why can't I? " And he tried to throw
back his head and pour forth the same sweet
tones, but this was impossible with his short, fat
neck, smd his mightiest effort was of no avail.
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? The Dissatisfied Owl.
37
So day bj day Blinkj grew sadder and sadder,
but still tbe lark sang on, not knowing what mi-
happiness she brought to poor silly Winky-
:j|
One night he left his home, more miserable
than ever, and perched himself upon the
fence rail to brood over his troubles. It
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? jS The Dissatisfied Owl.
was a bright moonlight night, and the owl
family that lived in the apple tree saw
Blinky Winky sitting all alone, and started
off, one after the other, to bring him home
with them. Such a doleful bird as they
found. It was a long while before Blinky would
tell them his secret, but once started, he poured
forth his whole sad tale. They pitied and they
? ? olded him, and their scolding did him good,
for when morning dawned, and it was time to
go home, they had led him to see the folly of his
ways and to resolve to try to be satisfied with
himself, and not aim to be like somebody else.
He learned, after spending many unhappy days
and weary nights, that God had not made his
little throat in such a manner that he could sing.
Tt was a good lesson for him and all his brothers
and Fosters. Perhaps little boys and girls can
learn something from this story of the dissatis-
fied owl, and it is this: "Don't think you can
do everytliing you see other people doing;/'
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? Meddlesome Peter.
The Bear family lived together in as pretty a
place as you could well find. The trees grew
tall and large and spread their branches over the
earth, leaving only room enough for the sun to
creep gently through by day, and for the little
stars to twinkle brightly through at night. Ferns
tall and stately grew in this place, and delicate,
pale green ferns with the gentle blue-eyed violet
peeping from their midst, helped to beautify the
Bear family's dwelling place.
The Bruin household would have been just as
happy as Bears could be, if it had not been for
troublesome Peter. He was the oldest Bruin
cub and just as full of naughtiness as was possi-
ble, and his greatest fault was his meddlesome
ways. There was nothing into whic^i ^<> would
not poke his paws.
One day, while out on a ramble, he spied a
bright, shining steel trap. K'ow Peter had never
seen one before, and quick as a flash he grabbled
it up to learn all about it, and he soon found out
to his sorrow. Snap went the spring, and poor
Peter howled with pain. Fate was good to
Peter this time, for as he jumped around in his
39
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? 40 Meddlesome Peter.
fury, the spring gave away, and off came the
trap, leaving young Bruin, however, with as sore
a paw as ever you could guess.
JSTow, one would think that this experience
would prove a good lesson to Peter; but no
sooner had his paw gotten well than he had for-
gotten all about his encounter with the trap and
was at mischief again. Mother Bruin coaxed,
Father Bruin scolded. Peter always tried to do
better, but his memory usually proved too short,
and promises went for nothing. One bright
spring day he started off through the woods to
hunt for fun, as he called these foolish, pranks
with, which he was constantly dealing. He
chased the butterflies, hurled stones at the bop-
toads, and then sat down on the ground to eat
the wild cherries that had fallen from the thickly
laden boughs. 'Now Peter's eyes were always
wandering restlessly around, and all of a sudden
they rested on a big hollow in a tree close by.
^'That's a squirrel's house," thought Peter. "I
wonder if the little fellow has any nuts left over
from last winter; I'll go see, I guess. " With
Peter to think was to act, and he thrust his paw
away down deep in the hollow. Peter had found
something, but not nuts. The bees had discov-
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? Meddlesome Peter. 41
ered tJiis place first and were using it as thedr
storo-HoTlse for honey, i^ow Peter's intrusion
vas not to tlieir liking, and their sharp little
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? 42 Poor, Sick Bruin.
stings soon told him so. They swarmed all
around Mm, until lie felt as if he were covered
with them, and the faster he ran, the more they
chased him. He could neither run away, nor
hide from them. 'Not until he was well punished
did they leave him, tingling with pain, but re-
solved, we hope, to once more try to do better,
and not to meddle.
Poor, Sick Bruin.
Once upon a time, when Jack Frost had com-
menced to shake the leaves from the trees after
first painting them in bright crimson and glow-
ing yellow, and some in dull russet brown, Mr.
Bruin fell sick. He had been to a dance in the
Kingston Woods. Miss Bunny had invited him,
and old Bruin had thought her the bright<<<t,
cunningest little creature he had met for mai y
a lo-ng day. Of course she was too tiny for him
to dance with, but he sat and chatted with her,
which he really thought was much pleasanter,
at least he had thought so at the time, but now
he was paying for his frolic. The ground had
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? Poor, Sick Bruin. 43
been too damp and cold, and tlie chill winds had
gotten into his bones, and he was the most mis-
erable f elloTV yon could possibly find. **'0 dear,"
thought he, "why was I so silly. Well might I
have known what folly it was to leave my good
warm home, and spend all those honrs out in th<<
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? 44 Poor, Sick Bruin.
cliill mght air. " But it was too late to sit and
grumble over follies that have been committed,
so Bruin wrapped himself in a green plaid shawl,
tied up his head in a red and white handkerchief,
and sat to wait for Dr. "Wolf to pass along. Dr.
Wolf had been called to pay a visit to a little
sick guinea-pig, and his way led him past old
Bruin's house. Bruin saw him, called to him,
and the doctor came trotting in. He took off
his tall black hat, laid it on the table, put on
his glasses, and prepared to examine his patient.
The doctor felt his pulse, shook his head, and
then looked at his tongue. "Oh, ho! mj friend,"
said he, "you have caught a cold, that is certain;
but, my good fellow, I am afraid there is some-
thing more. I fear that you feast too much upon
the dainties of the land. Your larder seems well
filled with tempting food, but if you take my
advice you will leave this alone for awhile, and
content yourself with a good big bowl of mush
and milk. You have a very high fever, and if
you eat of such rich food you will surely die. . 1
am going to put you to bed, and you must not
get up for a week; you are getting along in
years, so you must take extra care of yourself.
I shall leave you some pills to take every hour,
? ^^
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? The Squirrel's Visitor 45
unless you are asleep. I shall be passing here
again in the morning, and will drop in to see
jou. I hope to find vou much better. '^ Then
the doctor went away, leaving Bruin a sadder
and wiser bear and resolved in the future to tr)'
to live more sim^^ly, and to let his poorer neigh-
bors share the dainties that had proved his foe.
The Squirrel's Visitor.
In the Maple Woods, just outside the town,
lived an old gray squirrel. He was a big squirrel
and just as fat as butter. One time, long ago,
he had been caught in a rat-trap, and his leg
pretty badly torn. A bright-eyed, red-cheeked
boy had found him, and carefully and gently
had lifted the heavy wire frame, and had taken
Frisk out. The poor little squirrel was hurt and
frightened, and the boy felt sorry for him. He
carried him home in his arms, and then wrapped
him in a soft, warm blanket and put him in a
basket. He meant to doctor his wounded leg
and keep him for a pet. Frisk, however, did not
like this notion, and in the morning, when the
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?
been driven rings that almost made them bleed
when rooting in the ground. And what happi-
ness do you suppose life holds for a pig if he
cannot root?
The Brownies liked the donkey, for he seemed
such a patient, long suffering animal; but the
farmer's children made his life wretched -- they
beat him, they stoned him, they even took their
naughty little feet and kicked him.
The sheep suffered, and the horses, as they
dragged the plough through the hard earth or
hauled heavy loads along the sandy roads, felt
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? The Brownies and the Farmer. 23
when they might show their appreciation; and
while the lovers talked, they had gathered
silently around them. Then the Queen of the
Brownies spoke: "Good and lovely maiden, and
noble youth," said she, "we know of your trou-
bles, and we want to help you. Listen to what I
tell you, and you shall have riches in abundance.
Go, when I have finished talking, enter the
Briarly woods. There, in the hollow tree, you
will find a casket filled with bright and shining
gold; take it, spend it wisely, and take with it
the blessings and good will of the Brownies. "
It was a wonderful wedding present, and filled
the lovers' hearts with gTatitude.
The Broi/nies and the Farmer.
"? "^E Brownies were sorrowful, more sorrowful
lian they had ever been in their lives before,
and that is saying a gTcat deal; for Brownies,
you know, live such a long, long while, and the
saddest part of all was that there seemed no way
out Oi their trouble. The Brownies who lived
in tlve apple orchard saw it first, and when they
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? 24 l^^e Brownies and the Farmer.
told cfleir friends, all with one voice cried out:
"The wrong must be righted! "
Isow this was the trouble. Farmer Grump
had bought the Old Clover Farm, where the
Brownies had lived happily for years, and now
each day was full of trials and discomforts, for
this cruel farmer seemed always to be finding a
way to make the life of his stock miserable. The
cows had great boards tied over their eyes -- so
large that they could not see, and so heavy that
when the poor creatures went to crop the grass.
Bang! Bang! went the board against their
noses.
The pigs suffered, too. Into their noses had
been driven rings that almost made them bleed
when rooting in the ground. And what happi-
ness do you suppose life holds for a pig if he
cannot root?
The Brownies liked the donkey, for he seemed
such a patient, long suffering animal; but the
farmeris children made his life wretched -- they
beat him, they stoned him, they even took their
naughty little feet and kicked him.
The sheep suffered, and the horses, ai^ they
dragged the plough through the hard earth or
hauled heavy loads along the sandy roadsi, felt
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? The Brownies and the Farmer.
25
constantly the slash, slash of the farmer's cow-
hide whip.
Everything on the place suffered; so, do you
wonder the Brownies looked sorrowful?
At last they could stand it no longer, and all
met one night at the "Seek us further'^ tree^
^"'^^'^
cs^here the oldest Brownie lived. He had gotten
up in the limbs, so that all might hear, or, at
any rate, see him, and announced that thev nad
long witnessed these scenes of cruelty in silence,
but now something must be done, and they
wanted all the Brownies to help. He thought it
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? 26 The Brownies and the Farmer.
would be a good plan if they went when no one
was around, and whispered in the sufferers' ears
that the time had come when they must rebe).
They must stand up for their rights.
'hurrah! '' and "Three cheers! " cried the
Brownies in chorus, as they waved their funny
little hats. The farmer heard the noise, but he
thought it was only the wind blowing through
the trees in the apple orchard.
The meeting was dismissed, and quietly and
carefully the Brownies went about their work --
and they did it well, too; for the next morning,
when the farmer went to harness his horses, and,
as usual, brought the cruel w^hip down on their
back -- l? '^. found that two could play at the same
game, foi up wert the horses' heels, and sorry
trouble Farmer Grump had to get them hai^
nessed.
Then ihe pigs took their turn. They showed
their long white tusks, and acted so savagely
that the farmer left them in fright Even Ned,
the patient donkey, kicked up his heels, gal-
loped away, and no one could come near him.
Everything seemed possessed with the 8am6
Bpirit, and Farmer Grump went to his breakfast
the most puzzled man you could possibly find
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? The Brownies and tlie Farmer,
27
Bnt tlie animals won the day, for that very after-
noon tlie farmer went to town, and when he
came back he was carrying a large board painted
in great big letters, telling all the neighbors that
Ins stock was to be sold the very next daj. This
lie hung up by the roadside, and as it was market
day, the fprmers learned the news, as their tired
horses jogged slowly along towards homa Th^
decided that they would attend the sale, and
were on hand bright and early the next day.
The old farm place was crowded with buyera,
anjdous to get horses and pigs and other animala
for little money.
How happy the Brownies were as they
crowded aroimd, for the new owners had thrown
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? ? d
The Brownies and the Farmer.
^s-r^sw ~ . - _\F =^^>>> ? >>-<<
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? The Brownies' Ride 2$
the cruel devices of Farmer Gnimp away. They
were happy when they thought of the good
homes these poor animals had found -- but
gladdest of all were they when they thought of
l^ed, for Widow Love had bought him to cart
to market the beautiful butter that she made
every week. They knew that she would be very
kind and gentle to their old friend. That he
would have the softest of straw for his bed at
night, and the finest oats for his dinner, while
there would be no cruel children to beat and
kick him and make his life miserable. Xed lived,
a long while to enjoy this beautiful home, and
the Brownies always found him a faithful
servant
The Brownies' Ride.
"Are you in the humor for a lark, boys? ^' It
was Dot, the very smallest, and, as everybody
knows, the most mischievous of all the Brownies,
who said it.
'^e are that! " was the reply.
They were coming home from school, these
Brownie boys, and dinner pails and books were
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? y> The Brownies* Ride*
tlirown down at once while they crowded around
Dot to hear of the prospective fun.
"You know that clover field to tlie right a^
the big stone house," he began, "^^ell, some
time ago Grimes put up a sign, which read:
Horses taken to Pasture. ' You should see the
ittck he has had. I guess as many as a doaem
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? The Brownies* Ride. 51
borses are running around in that pasture field
It's bad for them to do nothing but eat all day,
so I thought we would be doing a good thing for
them, and for ourselves too, if to-nighL^ -- ^you
know it is moon-light -- ^we borrow these horses
and go for a ride. "
You should have heard the yells of delight
with which this scheme was greeted. IN^obody
but approved, except, of course. Croak; he al-
ways objects to everything.
The plan was for them to meet at the school-
house at ten o'clock, then go together to the
pasture lot. A number of the Brownies were tc
bring ropes, which they would tie around the
horses' necks, and haul them into the road.
The hour came; the Brownies met, and the
work began. They had forgotten saddles, but
some of them crawled through the windows in
the harness maker's shop and came back loaded
with both saddles and bridles. Such a time as
they had getting them on, and so many Brownies
had been invited that there were not enough
horses to go around; so two, and sometimes three
saddles must be put on one horse.
All wa<< ready at last, and off they started. It
was so funny to see them. Some of them actually
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? 3i The Quarrel.
hung on to the stirrup straps. Things went
pretty smoothly at first, but, oh my! what a
difference by and by. Saddles slipped, bridles
came undone, and the Brownie boys, and even
the poor horses, went over and rolled aroimd in
the mud. But the bitter must be taken with the
sweet, so nobody dared complain. When the
ride was over, and the horses and harness were
put in their proper places, everybody pronounced
it one of the best frolics he had ever had in hi3
Efe.
The Quarrel.
They were rivals -- the Gobbler and tho
Gander. Their home was at the Brookside
Farm, and it would be hard to find a prettier
home than this. It was a big old-fashioned
house, and it had stood for years and years. The
brook ran along on one side, and day after day it
babbled as it flowed, and the little daisies lifted
up their pretty heads to listen to its merry
songs, and when night came their drowsy head?
dropped as the brook murmured a low, sweet
lullaby.
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? The Quarrel. -^3
The gander had been enjoying the cool, ckar
waters of the brook. He had thought himself a
very beautiful bird, as he sailed gracefully up
and do^vn, arching his long white neck mth a
perfect air of contentment. The other geese at
the farm were quite young, some of them so
young that they looked like little lumps of yel-
low gold as they plunged boldly into the water.
And why should they fear? For the brook had
murmured, coaxingly: "Come, little baby bird.
Come bathe in my waters; I will not hurt you;
I will sing you low, pretty songs. " The gander
remembered when the brook had gently called
to him, and he smiled as he thought how long
ago.
His swim over, he had come on shore, and
once more donned his cap and trousers, and even
better satisfied than ever, had started home for
his dinner.
"Ha! Ha! Ha! '' he heai-d behind him, and
again, "Ha! Hal Ha! " Turning around, whom
should he see but the gobbler rigged in his very
best, his tail spread out just as wide as he could
get it, and looking very grand indeed, even the
gander had to admit as much as his eyes rested
upon him.
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? 34
The Quarrel.
'TDon't you think you are a sight ! ^ said the
Oohbler.
"Go look at yourself in the brook over
'-WMtff
fonder; you^ll surely agree with me that a moir
ridiculous bird than yourself never lived. "
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? The Quarrel. 33
^^Eidiciiloiis, indeed! '' replied the angry-
Gander. "K you but knew what a sight you
were, never again would you strut around the
baxuyardi"
*^Strut do you call it? " exclaimed the GobDit? r.
*T. pride myself that my walk is most elegant
Now, if I waddled as you do I'd hang my head
with shame. ''
**'Tis hut your jealousy that makes you talk
so," said the Gander; "you think because you are
tall and your legs are long, that you'll be much
admired and praised -- but people do not notice
you when I am sailing on the waters; then it is
that you must stand in the backgTound, and my
short legs and broad-web feet serve me as your
feet and legs never can you. "
TVord followed word, and these foolish birds
grew angrier all the time. The rooster stopped
the quarrel, for their loud words had attracted
the other birds. 'T)o you know," said he, "you
have kept up this foolish nonsense so long that
now you have lost your dinner? 'Tis an hour
ago since Ann came with her shining tin pan
full of com, but you paid no attention to her.
Today's loss is a small loss, but it might have
been much greater. Do hereafter remembof
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? 36 The Dissatisfied Owl.
your positions, and try to act more like grown-up
fowls, than like two tiny, newly-katcked birds.
Remember tkat the little folks of the barnyard
look to you as an example. "
The Dissatisfied Owl.
Blutky Winky was a little gray owl that lived
in the plum tree at the meeting of the cross-
roads. He slept all day, and at night perched on
one of the branches and greeted the wagons as
they went by with a low "Whoo! Whoo! " He
did not mean to be inquisitive, only pleasant and
friendly, at least that is what he used to do, but
now he has grown very quiet and solemn, and
heeds not the wagons as they go rumbling by.
The lark had been the cause of all the trouble.
In the early spring she had come to live across
the road from Blinky, and her song, so sweet
and clear, filled his whole heart with wonder
and awe. ^T. i the lark can sing,'' thought
Blinlvy, "why can't I? " And he tried to throw
back his head and pour forth the same sweet
tones, but this was impossible with his short, fat
neck, smd his mightiest effort was of no avail.
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? The Dissatisfied Owl.
37
So day bj day Blinkj grew sadder and sadder,
but still tbe lark sang on, not knowing what mi-
happiness she brought to poor silly Winky-
:j|
One night he left his home, more miserable
than ever, and perched himself upon the
fence rail to brood over his troubles. It
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? jS The Dissatisfied Owl.
was a bright moonlight night, and the owl
family that lived in the apple tree saw
Blinky Winky sitting all alone, and started
off, one after the other, to bring him home
with them. Such a doleful bird as they
found. It was a long while before Blinky would
tell them his secret, but once started, he poured
forth his whole sad tale. They pitied and they
? ? olded him, and their scolding did him good,
for when morning dawned, and it was time to
go home, they had led him to see the folly of his
ways and to resolve to try to be satisfied with
himself, and not aim to be like somebody else.
He learned, after spending many unhappy days
and weary nights, that God had not made his
little throat in such a manner that he could sing.
Tt was a good lesson for him and all his brothers
and Fosters. Perhaps little boys and girls can
learn something from this story of the dissatis-
fied owl, and it is this: "Don't think you can
do everytliing you see other people doing;/'
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? Meddlesome Peter.
The Bear family lived together in as pretty a
place as you could well find. The trees grew
tall and large and spread their branches over the
earth, leaving only room enough for the sun to
creep gently through by day, and for the little
stars to twinkle brightly through at night. Ferns
tall and stately grew in this place, and delicate,
pale green ferns with the gentle blue-eyed violet
peeping from their midst, helped to beautify the
Bear family's dwelling place.
The Bruin household would have been just as
happy as Bears could be, if it had not been for
troublesome Peter. He was the oldest Bruin
cub and just as full of naughtiness as was possi-
ble, and his greatest fault was his meddlesome
ways. There was nothing into whic^i ^<> would
not poke his paws.
One day, while out on a ramble, he spied a
bright, shining steel trap. K'ow Peter had never
seen one before, and quick as a flash he grabbled
it up to learn all about it, and he soon found out
to his sorrow. Snap went the spring, and poor
Peter howled with pain. Fate was good to
Peter this time, for as he jumped around in his
39
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? 40 Meddlesome Peter.
fury, the spring gave away, and off came the
trap, leaving young Bruin, however, with as sore
a paw as ever you could guess.
JSTow, one would think that this experience
would prove a good lesson to Peter; but no
sooner had his paw gotten well than he had for-
gotten all about his encounter with the trap and
was at mischief again. Mother Bruin coaxed,
Father Bruin scolded. Peter always tried to do
better, but his memory usually proved too short,
and promises went for nothing. One bright
spring day he started off through the woods to
hunt for fun, as he called these foolish, pranks
with, which he was constantly dealing. He
chased the butterflies, hurled stones at the bop-
toads, and then sat down on the ground to eat
the wild cherries that had fallen from the thickly
laden boughs. 'Now Peter's eyes were always
wandering restlessly around, and all of a sudden
they rested on a big hollow in a tree close by.
^'That's a squirrel's house," thought Peter. "I
wonder if the little fellow has any nuts left over
from last winter; I'll go see, I guess. " With
Peter to think was to act, and he thrust his paw
away down deep in the hollow. Peter had found
something, but not nuts. The bees had discov-
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? Meddlesome Peter. 41
ered tJiis place first and were using it as thedr
storo-HoTlse for honey, i^ow Peter's intrusion
vas not to tlieir liking, and their sharp little
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? 42 Poor, Sick Bruin.
stings soon told him so. They swarmed all
around Mm, until lie felt as if he were covered
with them, and the faster he ran, the more they
chased him. He could neither run away, nor
hide from them. 'Not until he was well punished
did they leave him, tingling with pain, but re-
solved, we hope, to once more try to do better,
and not to meddle.
Poor, Sick Bruin.
Once upon a time, when Jack Frost had com-
menced to shake the leaves from the trees after
first painting them in bright crimson and glow-
ing yellow, and some in dull russet brown, Mr.
Bruin fell sick. He had been to a dance in the
Kingston Woods. Miss Bunny had invited him,
and old Bruin had thought her the bright<<<t,
cunningest little creature he had met for mai y
a lo-ng day. Of course she was too tiny for him
to dance with, but he sat and chatted with her,
which he really thought was much pleasanter,
at least he had thought so at the time, but now
he was paying for his frolic. The ground had
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? Poor, Sick Bruin. 43
been too damp and cold, and tlie chill winds had
gotten into his bones, and he was the most mis-
erable f elloTV yon could possibly find. **'0 dear,"
thought he, "why was I so silly. Well might I
have known what folly it was to leave my good
warm home, and spend all those honrs out in th<<
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? 44 Poor, Sick Bruin.
cliill mght air. " But it was too late to sit and
grumble over follies that have been committed,
so Bruin wrapped himself in a green plaid shawl,
tied up his head in a red and white handkerchief,
and sat to wait for Dr. "Wolf to pass along. Dr.
Wolf had been called to pay a visit to a little
sick guinea-pig, and his way led him past old
Bruin's house. Bruin saw him, called to him,
and the doctor came trotting in. He took off
his tall black hat, laid it on the table, put on
his glasses, and prepared to examine his patient.
The doctor felt his pulse, shook his head, and
then looked at his tongue. "Oh, ho! mj friend,"
said he, "you have caught a cold, that is certain;
but, my good fellow, I am afraid there is some-
thing more. I fear that you feast too much upon
the dainties of the land. Your larder seems well
filled with tempting food, but if you take my
advice you will leave this alone for awhile, and
content yourself with a good big bowl of mush
and milk. You have a very high fever, and if
you eat of such rich food you will surely die. . 1
am going to put you to bed, and you must not
get up for a week; you are getting along in
years, so you must take extra care of yourself.
I shall leave you some pills to take every hour,
? ^^
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? The Squirrel's Visitor 45
unless you are asleep. I shall be passing here
again in the morning, and will drop in to see
jou. I hope to find vou much better. '^ Then
the doctor went away, leaving Bruin a sadder
and wiser bear and resolved in the future to tr)'
to live more sim^^ly, and to let his poorer neigh-
bors share the dainties that had proved his foe.
The Squirrel's Visitor.
In the Maple Woods, just outside the town,
lived an old gray squirrel. He was a big squirrel
and just as fat as butter. One time, long ago,
he had been caught in a rat-trap, and his leg
pretty badly torn. A bright-eyed, red-cheeked
boy had found him, and carefully and gently
had lifted the heavy wire frame, and had taken
Frisk out. The poor little squirrel was hurt and
frightened, and the boy felt sorry for him. He
carried him home in his arms, and then wrapped
him in a soft, warm blanket and put him in a
basket. He meant to doctor his wounded leg
and keep him for a pet. Frisk, however, did not
like this notion, and in the morning, when the
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?
