One day, Willie's father saw a boy at the market with four little white rabbits in a basket. He thought these would be nice pets for Willie; so he asked the lad how much he wanted for his rabbits. The boy said, "Only fifty cents, sir." Willie's father bought them, and carried them home. Here you see the rabbits and their little master. He has a pen for them, and always shuts them in it at night to keep them safe. He gives them bread and grass to eat. They like grass, and will take it from his hand. He has called in a little friend to see them. Willie is telling him about their funny ways. SLATE WORK. Some rabbits are as white as snow, some are black, and others have white and black spots. What soft, kind eyes they have! cunning, little eggs! May we take it, and show it to mother?" "What would the old bird do, Rose, if she should come back and not find her nest?" "Oh, we would bring it right back, Willie!" "Yes; but we could not fasten it in its place again. If the wind should blow it over, the eggs would get broken." LESSON LVI. strong round dry bill worked sends elaws flit God spring "How does the bird make the nest so strong, Willie?" "The mother bird has her bill and her claws to work with, but she would not know how to make the nest if God did not teach her. Do you see what it is made of?" "Yes, Willie, I see some horsehairs and some dry grass. The old bird must have worked hard to find all the hairs, and make them into such a pretty, round nest." "Shall we take the nest, Rose?" "Oh no, Willie! We must not take it; but we will come and look at it again, some time." SLATE WORK. God made the little birds to sing. |