178 



With its snow clad bills ; 



More than in autumn. 

 With its crimson leaves,. 



More than in summer^ 

 With its gurgling rills. 



The air is filled with rich melodies^ 

 And sweet Toice« of lore, 



The warbling of God's creatures^ 

 As the J rove below;: above. 



—B. Mercer, 



ANECDOTES OF MATURE. 



A true story is told concerDing' a southern pirate of 

 the worst class. It states that while on one of his rob- 

 bing expeditions he had occasion from some cause to 

 remain C|uiet for a period, when his attention was at- 

 tracted by the gentle cooings of a Florida dove. At 

 first he did not regard it as anything attractive, but as 

 the sweet tones continued it awakened in his stony 

 heart feelings which for many years had lain dormant, 

 and he began to think, and became tendered. He mus- 

 ed upon the home where he was once happy^ and the 

 teachings which he receiyed there, and he concluded to 

 abandon the wicked traffic he was engaged in, and re- 

 turned to his home, afterwards becoming a good pious 

 man. So we see what good that little dove did for 

 him, for by its loving notes he was led to repent and 

 return. 



The account of the insects which were sent into 

 Egypt at the time of the plagues is very interesting, 

 and may be read by all from the sacred .volume. They 

 were locusts and house-flies, and came in such over- 

 whelming swarms as to nearly drive the inhabitants 

 from the land. Also after the departure of the children 

 of Israel, hov/ that when they were in the wild desert, 



