374 
AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST. 
[OCTOBER, 
THE LOVING SISTER. 
[COPYBIGHT SECURED.] 
FEOM A PAINTING BY MERLE. — Engraved for the American Agriculturist by J. L. LcmgriOge, 
How lovingly this sister clasps her baby brother m her 
arms ! How naturally and sweetly the artist has told the 
story ! The child's little troubles have given place to 
peaceful aud happy dreams. The little fellow sleeps se- 
curely in his place of refuge. He has told his sister his 
childish grief, and has been consoled. He still holds te- 
naciously the apple she has given him, and we imagine 
we can almost see the traces of her kisses upon his pure 
forehead and plump cheeks. The day will come, perhaps, 
when his strong arm may support and protect her in 
turn. It is a fine thing to have a big brother— some one to 
protect and care for you— but we are sorry to say that big 
brothers are apt to be selfish and domineering, to have 
grand ideas of their own personal dignity, and to be very 
jealous lest their smaller brothers and sisters assume in 
any respect an equal footing with themselves. This is 
much less often the case with an older sister, who, if she 
is a good girl, can sympathize with the little ones aud 
understand them much more readily than any brother, 
even if he is disposed to be kind and attentive. If you 
have a sister, return her love with kindness and affection, 
and you will always find her a true friend. 
Serious Disturbance,— A few nights since, a 
family in Brooklyn, N. Y., were alarmed by a noise. 
Several burglaries committed in the neighborhood 
had made them nervous, and now they thought their 
turn had come for a visit from the housebreakers. 
The father of the family attempted to get a light by turn- 
ing on the gas, but in his trepidation turned it off. The 
women, now more frightened than ever, ran screaming 
to the windows, and the whole neighborhood was aroused. 
A man armed himself with a broadsword, others seized 
various weapons, and the police came with their clubs. 
The family were afraid to venture down stairs,sothe crowd 
below broke open the front door, and entered to capture 
the robbers. On entering the kitchen they found the 
faucet to the water-works open, and a full stream rush- 
ing out, and right behind this faucet, the rascal that had 
caused all the disturbance. A large cat had thrust his 
head into a milk pitcher, but could not get it out. It had 
" thrashed round - 1 furiously in trying to extricate itself, 
thus making the alarming noises, and finally got fastened 
in the place where it was found, its struggles having 
turned the faucet. The fright ended in a hearty laugh. 
