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NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



penalty for thieving, but, said he, there is a wiser judgment which 

 I will now render, the better for the protection of animals inhabit- 

 ing the forests for all future time. 



Turning to the frog he said: " You belong to a tribe that has 

 always been able to get an honest living. Your wants have been 

 amply supplied. Even a long lapping tongue was given you to 

 entice the bugs and flies that pass your door as you rest com- 

 fortably in the sunshine. But your neighbor Jo-nis-gy-ont must 

 work hard and journey far for his winter's store. You sleep 

 through the winter, Jo-nis-gy-ont remains awake and must have 

 food. You had not the excuse of hunger for your robbing, you 

 were selfish, which adds to your crime, and you must be punished. 

 Proper and sufficient food shall remain for you that you may not 

 die, but never more shall your tribe be tempted by the nut. Your 

 teeth shall grow no more. Go back in disgrace to your marsh." 

 And as the frog left the Council House, his teeth dropped from his 

 mouth. 



"And you, Teh-do-oh," said the judge, " you shall not lose your 

 teeth which you are so closely hiding in fear, but your punishment 

 shall be just. You too, sleep through the winter. Through the 

 summer all your wants are provided. Corn and clover, and grains 

 grow for you, and fish, and birds; greed, alone, tempted you to 

 steal. The nuts have ceased falling, no more to gather and winter 

 is coming; who will help the starving Jo-nis-gy-ont? Your greed 

 has deprived him of food. Greed must not shadow the good name 

 of your tribe, and all your tribe must share your punishment for- 

 ever. Of green leaves and grains you shall not be deprived, but 

 no more shall you relish the birds or the fish, they will fear you no 

 more. Go back in disgrace to your burrow, and return not until 

 spring paints your shadow on the soft snows." 



" The judge was wise," said the council. Even the unfortunate 

 Jo-nis-gy-ont did not escape reproof, for said the judge: " Had you 

 been more watchful and swift, you could have guarded your store, 

 yet I will help you. I will widen your eyes and they shall grow 

 bigger and rounder that you may see sideways when your enemies 

 appear; and I will web your forelegs with wings that you may fly 

 quick to your nest when thieves threaten. But I warn you, hide 

 from the sun and you can toil unseen in the shadows." And happy 

 Jo-nis-gy-ont flew back to his nest. 



Thus the squirrel won his wings, the selfish frog lost its teeth, 

 and the thieving woodchuck was punished for his greed. 



