APRIL. 



45 



and thought it was foolish to spend as mifbh 

 time as some of his neighbors did in it : but I 

 have wandered from the subject of birds. I 

 know of but few birds, although they may be 

 troublesome at times, but are upon the whole 

 a great benefit ; and a person is without excuse 

 who wantonly destroys them. 



M. We are staying out late ; let us go 

 to the house. Do notice, how merrily the 

 frogs sing ; they appear to partake of the gen- 

 eral happiness, with which all animated nature 

 seems to be filled. Where do you suppose 

 they live in the winter ? - 



H. They bury themselves in the mud at 

 the bottom of the water and remain in a tor- 

 pid state — as do also the turtles and toads. 



M. Now the garden is ready — when shall 

 you begin to sow seeds ? 



H. If the weather is pleasant, I will sow 

 some of the most hardy tomorrow. J conclude 



