/ 



the young birds were old enough to quit 

 the nest and seek their own food. Then 

 he spent mucli time in mending his ap- 

 pearance. 



Each passing year my attachment had 

 grown for my summer visitors. The 

 thought that he might never return, ow- 

 ing to the loss of his mate, worried me. 



The summer passed; the days grew 

 short and the night grew frosty. The 

 blackbird family would soon be on their 

 way to the sunny south, and I should 

 miss their familiar voices and many cun- 

 ning pranks about the yard. 



V. 



Early one May morning the next 

 spring I was greatly pleased to hear 



the well remembered call. I knew my 

 old-time friend had come to spend his 

 summer sojourn in the yard amid the 

 scenes of former years. 



He flitted about the yard in his old 

 familiar way, tapping off his short quick 

 rattle on the roof-board which reverber- 

 ated through the cabin. 



He was happy again. Why not? He 

 had brought with him a new bride. She 

 was afraid of me. He showed her by 

 example that I would not hurt them, but 

 on sight of me she slipped around the 

 stumps and trees, and at the least ap- 

 proach flew away. 



William Harrison Lewis. 



BEAUTIFUL SNOW. 



Beautiful snowflakes are softly falling 



Like down from an angel's wings, 

 Beautiful snowflakes are softly falling 



While the snow bird merrily sings. 



Beautiful snowflakes are softly falling, 



From the clouds they come whirling down, 



Like the dust from the floor of a crystal palace. 

 And cover the frozen ground. 



Beautiful snowflakes are softly falling, 



Covering the ground with white; 

 The flowers of summer have withered and faded, 



The robin has taken his flight. 



Beautiful snowflakes are softly falling. 



They bring joy to young and old; 

 J^eautiful snowflakes are watching and waiting 



For the Christmas chimes to toll. 



Beautiful snowflakes are softly falling 



Like down from an angel's wings. 

 Beautiful snowflakes are softly falling 



While the snow bird merril\- sings. 



|. Frank Rich man. 



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