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attractive to children, and lessons on Natural History are
plentifully interspersed in this form.

A special feature of the series is the abundant and

admirable illustrations. These will serve to awaken the

interest, quicken the intelligence, and cultivate the taste

of the scholars.

The Dictation pieces in the higher books are selected
in great part from standard authors.

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THIRD READER.

[graphic]

THE GENEROUS CLOUD.

"ALL things are beautiful to-night except myself," said a dull creeping mist that hovered over a swamp. "The moon and the bright stars are beautiful; the hills, and the woods, and the rivers are beautiful; but how hideous I look! And what is my birthplace?-a swamp, which men hate and avoid!" And thus bemoaning herself, the mist

continued to creep sluggishly over the surface of the marsh.

Suddenly an evening breeze came dancing over the hills, fresh, and full of life. At his approach the mist began to rise, brightening as she rose, for the moon shone full upon her. The breeze then laid hold of her, and bore her swiftly on his wings far up into the sky; and she became a cloud.

Afterwards the sun arose, and men looked forth from their cottages on the fields sparkling with dew; they looked also to the sky, and saw a glorious cloud sailing over the distant hills. "We may hope for rain to-day," they said; and went cheerfully to their labours.

The heat increased, and the men grew weary; the earth was hard and dry, and scarcely might their spades turn up the flinty soil. The cloud meanwhile moved in beauty across the heavens, yet not with pride, for she remembered her lowly birthplace: she longed to prove her gratitude by doing good.

The weary men looked upwards. "Would," they said, "that yonder cloud might bring us rain for the streams are dry, and our cattle are in want of water."

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Ah, that I could help you!" exclaimed the cloud.

Scarcely had she spoken when the breeze came back again, and hastening towards the cloud, said to her, "Thy wish is heard; but art thou willing to become a sacrifice?"

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