﻿298 PICTORIAL MISCELLANY. 



An Attractive Picture. 



THE three children in the picture were named Gustavus, Herman, 

 and Annie. Their father owned a large estate, and they went forth 

 one day, to gather flowers in his fields. They were very happy in 

 their sports, because they loved each other, and each sought to minis- 

 ter to the enjoyment of the others. 



After playing awhile, they agreed to separate, and to collect each 

 one a bunch of favorite flowers. When this was done, they met 

 again beneath the branches of a noble tree. 



" I have chosen the violet," said Gustavus, " because it is fragrant 

 and modest." And he gave his violets to Herman and Annie. 



" I have chosen the lily, because it is the emblem of innocence. 

 I love it, because it reminds me of a pure heart, and of the love of 

 my Father in Heaven," said Herman, and he gave his beautiful lilies 

 to Gustavus and Annie. 



Annie produced a bunch of forget-me-nots, and said, " I have cho- 

 sen the blue forget-me-not, because it is the flower of love and ten- 

 derness." Then Annie gave her forget-me-nots to Gustavus and 

 Herman. 



After this, these lovely children agreed to weave their flow- 

 ers into two crowns, which they carried home and placed on the 

 brows of their father and mother. This affectionate conduct de- 

 lighted their parents ; and thus by innocence and love was this 

 family made happy and joyful. 



How strangely seme children's conduct would contrast with this 

 picture of love. I have seen brothers and sisters who lived only to 

 tease and to fret each other. They never studied each other's pleas- 

 ure, but each looked after himself alone. Consequently they were 

 all miserable, and their parents were made unhappy. Boys and 

 girls, which class of children do you love best ? If the former, prove 

 your sincerity by trying to resemble them. 



