Nellie's birthday party

My dear sister was promised a party on her approaching birthday, when she would be eight years old. Nellie had a particular friend whose name was Lina, and she also was to have a birthday festival, and as their anniversaries were but a few days apart, there was prospect of an unusual amount of joyousness within a short period.
These close companions were like and unlike each other. Both were fair and sweet-tempered. One night as we all came home from school together, our mother was at Lina's, and we waited while ma made ready to go home.
Lina asked, "Ma, what day is my birthday?"
The mother looked up in a surprised way and answered, " Dear child, I forgot it has passed." Well,, our surprise and Una's disappointment were great. The poor little girl cried bitterly, until ma said, "Never mind, Lina, you can have your party in with Nellie's, and it will be all the grander." Nellie, who was wiping her eyes in sympathy with Lina's grief, now brightened up and was perfectly witling. For fear that the other occasion might have the fate of a postponement, the time was counted and it was found that "day after to-morrow" was the happy day. As Lina was too timid and Nellie thought that "if a person was going to have anything they hadn't ought to have the trouble themselves, somebody else ought to do it for them," it was decided that upon me should fall the honor of issuing the invitations to those who attended our school, and on the way home visit the scattered families that were to be favored. Now, as my dear sister was very popular, and had once been unanimously elected, without a dissenting vote, and crowned Queen of May, it may be easily understood that I should have much walking to do, beside meeting the looks of slighted friends, for there had to be a limit. Perhaps this was one reason why Nellie declined being on the committee of invitations; but I am sure that the greater motive was her feeling that the honor and dignity of the occasion would be better sustained by her being entirely a recipient. Lina generously offered to stay home from school and help ma in the busy preparations, and also on the day itself. Dear, good little heart ! In this she was unlike Nellie, who, with absorbing interest, watched all that was being-done, in quiet admiration, while Lina's executive abilities and quickness of ideas seemed to brighten and accelerate as the day went on. When I returned at sundown, Lina took me to the pantry and cellar with whispers of pride. Then my share of labor began.
Ah, how many roses and other sweet flowers I gath-rered for bouquets, and how many yards of garlands, of arbor vitaes, feathery asparagus and long ferns, to decorate mantels, windows, and doorways ! It took part of next morning too. "Very beautiful, my dear child," said father, taking a survey of it all just before he went down town to the office. "Very nice of you to do all in your power to honor your sister. Well, well, dear little Nellie, she's a good child! I'm very happy with you both. Good-by." It was warm weather, the fourth of August; so, early in the morning, to escape the heat, the guests began arriving, some bringing a little token, book-mark, ribbon, or tiny toy, but all were welcome alike, those who did and those who didn't.
Ma announced that it was Nellie's and Lina's party together. Nellie sat among the guests, but Lina was flitting here and there, waiting on the girls put away their things, then out in the dining-room, coming around corners with playthings, everywhere was Lina. The warm and thirsty guests were waited upon with slight refreshments before beginning the pleasures of the day, and before long everything had found its level. All the paraphernalia of doll house-keeping was brought out, and several sets of house-keepers established upon the verandas and under trees. It was like a doll conference, so many had been brought along. I can't say how many bunches of grapes and cups of sugar were used in making pies to be baked in Nellie's little stove, nor how many eggs were beaten to be made into uneatable cakes. Even the toy wash-tubs were brought out and doll's clothes laundried to an astonishing extent, but all were happy.
The next thing was a serenade from the boys," who had been gone somewhere a long time and now re- turned with a great flourish hats decorated with rooster tail feathers, corn flowers and plumy grasses ; pipes and piccolas whittled from willows, pumpkin-vine trumpets of all sizes and tones, and an indescribable instrument made of a split stick and green grass. A real drum had been brought from town, swords and daggers hastily made from the lumber pile, besides pop-guns, jew's-harps and harmonicas. What a noise they made, and how they enjoyed themselves ! The "martial band" having first charmed and then almost distracted their hearers, and being requested to " go off somewhere out of hearing," decided upon a change and brief rest.
It was suggested that in harmony with playing " keep house," some domestic animals were needed, and one boy volunteered to be tied up under a tree on all fours to represent a horse. This proved to be a very restless, kicking animal. Another personated a cow, not forgetting vicious shakes of the head and howling for an imaginary calf.
When the tying up became irksome, the horse broke his rope and ran away. Hammocks were swung under the trees, ball and kite playing and soap-bubble blowing followed.
What first occurred to mar the felicity of the scene was never fully understood. It was said ambiguously that " some had acted too smart." Presently there was a dignified redressing of dolls and other mysterious movements, and before those in the house knew what was going on, remarks of this kind were exchanged: "Yes, you'll never'see my face again." " I don't want to see it or you either." " You think you're so fine! " " Yes, you've been cutting pa's pumpkin vines 'all to pieces and our willow trees, to'o, for your old trumpets and whistles." All this while the dinner was being prepared with great care and proper magnitude.
When ma came out to announce dinner, a scene ol silence and desolation presented itself. Toys lay in disorder, and Nellie sat in silent dignity alone upon the spot where awhile ago had thronged and frolicked her guests. "Where are the children ? " " Gone home."
The hired man was summoned and dispatched down the road to gather up and bring back the of- fended company. He found them, some resting by the way-side, others plodding wearily along in the hot sun. He succeeded in bringing them back, and they were led to where fresh water and towels abounded, and, thus refreshed, were marshaled into the dining-room. Here all feeling was soon dissipated, and when dinner was over, the tables were cleared away, and dancing began. Before sundown the happy company again started homeward, this time perfectly satisfied with the pleasures of the day.
Would you like to know where all those little friends are now? One, I know, is a telegraph operator, an- other a well-known missionary. One of them has a great farm, where the mowing-machines cut a swath a mile long before turning back. Albert went to the war, and laid down his life while leading his troops. Eddie went with his father, who was appointed ornithologist to Maximilian in Mexico, and was drowned in a bayou. Many are scattered, I know not where.
But dear little Lina! Sometimes, when coming home from school, her face would turn pale, and the tears run down her cheeks as she faltered on the way, with pain. Some called them "growing pains," and said they would not last long. We used to make a chair with our hands and carry her along, resting now and then. By and by Lina could not go to school any more, but sat at home in. a reclining chair, patiently whiling away the time of taking medical treatment by doing such pretty work and studying, trying to keep up with her class. But the time came when the pain would not let her think of anything else but suffering. Then her father traveled with her from one place to another, spending hundreds of dollars, all in vain. Dear little Lina grew to look more like spirit than human, so lovely were the long curls falling upon her shoulders and bosom ; but those blue eyes were so large and sorrowful, one had the heartache to just look in them. One day the gentle spirit took its flight, and all was gone but the memoiy of Lina.
And Nellie? She grew to be a woman, and had a home and lovely children. She lived to labor in a holy temple, and gave back to the heavenly Father three lovely babes. She has followed them, and no doubt Nellie and Lina have met in that beautiful world where dwell the saints who kept the faith unto the end.

The power of prayer

WE have the promise of the heavenly Father that "the prayer of faith shall save the sick."
Where children are taught this from infancy, they are more sure to have faith than are those who are converted to religion later in life. An incident came to my hearing lately which I will relate.
A member of our ward is absent on a mission in Norway. After many months of travel and preaching, he became sick with a fever, and was taken to a hospital instead of to his friends. He sent a cablegram to his family informing them of his extreme sickness. This gave the hospital authorities knowledge of his being a Mormon, and they carried him out of the building and left him in the street. It took the sick man five hours to crawl half a mile to the house of a friend, where he was kindly cared for, but he rapidly grew worse from the effects of the harsh treatment and exposure he had endured.
When the cable message reached his family in Utah, they gathered together in solemn prayer in behalf of the sick husband and father.
The mother was a member of a Primary Association, and when the meeting was held, they made the far-off missionary the subject of prayer, all repeating in unison the words of the speaker. In due time a letter came stating that on a certain afternoon he began to recover, and next day resumed his travel on foot and preaching.
Upon comparing dates it was proven that his restoration began upon the very day of their united petitions in his behalf.
The ministering angels, with healing and blessing, had sped swifter than the winds, and God had fulfilled his promise to the prayer of faith of the little ones at home.

Cats and kittens crossing a swamp

In some parts of California, Indian labor used to be employed, and generally they made their wickings at a short distance from their employers' house, as they were pretty sure to be kept for several months if well behaved. These wickings were made of clean new rushes, and. when leaving the farm they always burned them down, leaving no rubbish to mark where they had been. Not all tenants are as thoughtful and neat as this. These Indian families were fond of dogs and cats. At our Indian quarters there was one cat that used to come every morning, cross a little swamp, crossing over one the rail fence that reached from one side to the other, for her breakfast. Instead of staying around and wearing out her welcome by getting into mischief, she always went home at a quick gait after her meal of milk and table scraps. One very delightful morning when the birds had wakened me just at daylight, I remembered about and started out for some certain strawberries hidden away in a little dimple of a spot down a gentle sjope, for I thought they would be ready by this time. While picking my way through the shortest of the grass, I heard piteous little mews and other cries, and looking around, to my surprise I saw the poor old cat in the grass, and in the trail she had made, one, two kittens struggling along in desperate dislike of the dew, which had made them look so miserable, while farther back, on the top rail of the fence, staggered, clung and mewed two more frightened kittens, who only knew that they were following their mother. She was already weary of running to and fro, coaxing her timid little ones along on their first journey; so I thought it only humane for the stronger to help the weaker, and, accordingly, went to meet those on the fence. But my " kitty, kitty " being in English was not understood by these Indian kittens, and they stopped, with elevated backs, enlarged tails, defiant spittings and backings, refusing my help. However, I kept on and captured them all, while the mother amply expressed her gratitude in ways plain enough to me. By the time she and the other two were in my apron, the berries were forgotten and the main idea was a box with bed and food.
They understood that well enough, and spent the day contentedly, but at night the mother took them all back to camp. You see she did not intend to for- sake old friends for the new, unlike many persons whom prosperity blinds to their comrades in adversity. With next morning's light, I was out to see if the exploit was to be repeated, when, sure enough ! there she came, her little ones following this time with more confidence. They continued their visits as long as they desired. I thought that poor mother showed the same maternal solicitude and provident care as the human mother in poverty does, when obliged to go forth and seek food for her little ones. When the camp broke up to leave in the fall, I saw among their effects the good old cat with her four kittens cozily perched among the luggage on the back of a pony which an Indian woman was leading. As the mother had traveled that way before, I suppose she had instructed her family that there was nothing to fear.
What would you think to see a cat that had traveled all the way from Illinois to Utah, in a wagon ? I suppose you have never asked the question, " Who introduced the first cats into Utah?" for of course you know they were not here always, like the coyote and the crows. I do not remember the name of the persons who did this kind service, but I can tell you the true story as it was told to me.
When a certain family left Illinois, a little girl hugged her pet in her arms, keeping it covered from sight until a long way from home. It was believed by her parents that kitty would get lost after a while and so trouble them no more, but she seemed to know that the safest place was with her little mistress, and never strayed from camp, but always climbed into the wagon before starting-time, and was soon purring her- self to sleep. When the family reached Salt Lake City (then a wilderness), kitty was much older, and one day presented the camp with four fine specimens of her tribe. These were much admired, and, when old enough, were anxiously sought for in good homes. This renowned cat, the fondled pet and respected ancestress of Utah cats, met her untimely death by the bite of a snake.
About three years later a family who owned one of her descendants, moved to California, and a short time after presented my sister and I each with a handsome black and white kitten and an account of their interesting grandparent, the pioneer cat of Utah. We were very proud of these handsome pets, for they attracted much attention from their elegant appearance and gentleness.
Snip and Tom grew to the dignity of about twelve pounds each, and lived to be a little less than eighteen years of age.

Dialogue between a Christian and an infidel

(Enter book agent.) " Good-day, madame, I would like to show you an interesting work?"

"What is it, sir?"

"A work showing the errors of the Bible, as arranged carefully by our most advanced scientists and free-thinkers."

" Sir, I have no use for such a work ; the Bible is the book for me."

"Madame, I can show you that the Bible is of no use in this age of progress. You cannot show me any benefit to humanity in the whole volume of errors and inconsistencies."

"Sir, I can take one sentence and prove to you that it contains a commandment to all the human race, a rule that would benefit the whole earth."

(Agent, sneering) " I'd like to know what it is."

"'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and thy neighbor as thyself/ If you refuse the first part as a commandment to yourself, the last five words are enough to guide the whole world to dwell in order and harmony. If these words were lived up to, there would be no wrong done by one to another, consequently no crime or sorrow."

"That's all right, that's Bob Ingersoll's doctrine.'*

"Sir, I would not set Bob Ingersoll before his Creator, nor give him the credit of that command; if he uses it he is only a plagiarist; God is the author of those words."

" Never mind, what use is your Bible anyway ? The Christians are a small part of the world; millions get along without it.

" Yes, the heathen ; who would wish to dwell among them?"

" Oh, I'd just as soon live among them as with the Christians!"

"Well, sir, I think that would be the proper place for all infidels to go to ; they would soon be exterminated."

"I guess I'll stay among civilization; and I'll ask you to show, madame, any noted infidel that was ever guilty of crime."

"Sir, infidelity is the greatest of all crimes to deny your Creator."

" I don't acknowledge any creator."

"Who sent you here upon earth?"

"Oh, I just happened here by process of evolution! "

"Indeed! A Darwin theory. Well, I'd rather claim descent from a heavenly Parent than from a monkey."

"Well, madame, I don't believe in a God anyway."

"Neither did Saul, until he was struck by lightning, but he found out the truth then."

" I don't know about that ; we have no proof of such statement; why, madame, the New Testament was not written till three hundred years after the death of Christ, and then all those things might have been exaggerated."

" Sir, the apostles did not live to be three hundred years old, and Josephus, a Jewish historian of undisputed authority, confirmed the existence, the wondrous teachings, of our Saviour, his death, and the labors of the apostles also. Behold the destruction of Jerusalem and the scattering of the Jews in fulfillment of our Lord's prophecies ! History confirms it all."

" Well, madame, many of your Christians have deserted their own principles, but even Voltaire never recanted, nor any other infidel."

"The French people suffered revolutions and massacres for many years as a penalty .for receiving the writings of Voltaire ; and Tom Payne, a great infidel, did repent on his death-bed all he had written."

" That is a ministerial fabrication. Free-thinkers don't believe it."

"We Christians have as good a right to believe he did recant as you infidels to say he did not."

"Yes, but when I die, if you should witness my death you would see me pass away an infidel still."

"I would not wish to witness your passing away; I would rather attend the death-bed of a good Christian, at peace with all mankind and his Creator, and mourned by his fellow-creature."

"Well, when I die I'll just turn up my toes and go off regardless of everything."

"I don't know whether you'll turn up your toes according to your own plan or not. You may be destroyed suddenly by flood, explosion, or some other unexpected calamity, and where do you expect to go after you die?"

"Nowhere; that's the end of me."

" Sir, I think you will find that you will have to go somewhere and meet an account of yourself."

"Well, madame, I'd advise you to read your Bible."

" I have read it more than any other book, in fact I learned my letters on my grandfather's knee, from the great family Bible; it was my primer, reader, story- book and history all in one."

"I guess I'll be going! I see you keep bees?"

"Yes. Do you think they are infidels or Christians?"

" Infidels."

" No, sir! they are Christians. They keep the laws that their Creator made for them. ' God made man upright, but he hath sought out many inventions.' Infidelity is one of them. These Christian bees are contented, industrious, and orderly. Infidels are uneasy, live a life of fault-finding, and die unsatisfied and miserable, after all their endeavors."

"I am prepared, madam, to resist scientifically all the arguments of Christianity against infidelity. I am immovable ! No matter what may be brought."

(A bee stings him and he fights back and beats a retreat.)

"Bravo! for the insect defender of the faith. Mr. Infidel, I thought you were immovable !" (Exit infidel.)

Robbing bird's nests

IT is quite common in the spring of the year for boys to go out on expeditions for young birds. The brown larks that make their nests low in the grass, and the magpies that build theirs in clumps of scrub oak, are the commonest victims. Many of you have never seen a magpie's nest, so you will be surprised to learn that it is very large, sometimes three feet across, and has enough wood in it to make a bonfire. These nests look quite coarse and uncomfortable, but who- ever heard the birds complain ? It may seem a beautiful idea to have a young bird to raise, but there is more sorrow than beauty in it. I have seen so many of these poor things brought away from their parents that it seemed likely to clean out the tribe ; but the saddest feature is the cruelty practised by slitting their tongues to enable them to talk. As I have known many birds to die from this mutilation (not being able to talk), I have often wished that it could be prevented. There was one case near by where the poor parent- bird hovered outside, pitifully answering the plaintive cries of her wounded and prisoned young one, which was worried by a pet dog, watched by a hungry cat, and sadly neglected by its captors, until death released it.

At another time I was walking, on a hot, dusty day, in Salt Lake City, when, coming to a second-hand store, I saw, in a small cage, a poor magpie panting with the heat and hopping to and fro, vainly seeking to make its escape.

If I had had money with me, I would have bought it away and loosed it among the wild trees. Poor bird ! The sight made me sad at heart. I would not have that bird's suffering to answer for, for any price.

MOURNING DOVES.

When I was quite young, I heard a good neighbor chiding his boys for robbing nests. Said he : " My brother and I robbed a mourning dove's nest of her two young ones. She followed us home, but we did not mind her sad cries. By and by we began to wish she would stop, and one of us tried to frighten her away, but she would come back. We were so tired with our ramble that our mother let us go to bed very early, and as we fell asleep we heard her mournful voice. Next morning it was the first sound we heard, and all day it continued. We stuck to the birds, but by night began to feel badly, still would not give them up. In the morning there it was again, and we could stand it no longer. We said we would take them back to her nest, but when we uncovered them they were dead. Oh, how sad and frightened we were ! My brother thought that if we put them where the mother could see them she would understand and go away, so we laid them on the roof of the porch and came away. She had been watching us and settled beside them, continuing her sad notes. This seemed worse than ever, so we climbed up again and carried them away to some tall grass, hoping she would follow and stay there ; but no, that mother-bird flew back and forth, cooing her broken-hearted story of accusation until she died.

"We never robbed another bird's nest, and I never hear a mourning dove now, that I do not feel sorry for that deed." Mr. Garner wiped his eyes as he concluded, and you may be sure we all felt pretty solemn.

THE ROBIN AND THE CARPET RAG.

I will tell you something not so sad. Do you think birds understand anything we say? "Well," you answer, " some birds, tame ones, may, if they've been taught." That is true; but a lady once told me some- thing so curious that I could not say anything against it and yet it was very strange.

She had been sewing carpet-rags out on her porch, and it was about the time of spring for birds, especially robins, to be building their nests. As she sat all alone at her quiet work, she noticed the lively movements of a robin which seemed to be also watching her.

This interested the lady, and she kept very still, as she continued her sewing. By and by the bird came near enough to seize a long soft rag that had fallen just over the edge of the porch. Mrs. Robin tugged very hard, pulling it along backwards for some distance, when she stopped for a rest, still eyeing the lady.

"Oh, you little thief!" said she softly, "stealing my carpet rags." The bird looked at her, then at the rag, and to her surprise flew a little distance away and sat for a while on the fence as though not knowing what to do.

The lady said she began to feel as though the bird had understood her, and said she : " There that bird sat and sat and I watched her, and she watched me till at last I felt so mean I was ashamed of myself, although I only said it in fun; but at last I spoke, " Come and get it, you pretty bird; you can have all the carpet- rags you want. And what do you think ? As true as I live, that robin flew back and got that carpet-rag and came for some more I threw over while she was gone, and I tell you I felt relieved." Now, whether the bird understood words or not, this circumstance really occurred.

At our home in the country we watch the birds with great interest, although there are not so many or such pretty ones as in California, my early home.

When we see large flocks of blackbirds flying low, we look for high winds. Sometimes they seem to hold "conference" in a large locust tree near by, and then we have some fine choir exercises between the remarks of the leaders. I am sorry to have to state that these meetings are sometimes broken up by a mob-like attack of boys with guns.

We have the mischievous little English sparrows, the little brown snow-birds, and, oh ! when the first flock of bluebirds comes in the spring, how glad we are, and throw out wheat in the front yard! It is a lovely sight to see one's snow-covered yard adorned with a flock of lovely bluebirds with top-knots.

We have read that they are very fond of the berries of the Virginia creeper, and as we have a fine one, that was a slip taken from the beautiful vine at the Wells House, on the corner opposite the Deseret News Office, we have expectations of annual visits from this regiment in blue uniform.

We value our vine very highly, first, because of where it came from, second, on account of its own beauty, and third, on account of the bluebirds.

Is it not a vine of more than ordinary interest ?

The next birds we welcome are the robins; they are regarded as a sure sign of spring, but they will insist on moving so close to the cherry trees. But, after all, perhaps the Lord intended cherries for birds as well as for persons, and we must not be selfish.

Then there are the larks. I know a boy who wants to spend a day in the country just to hear the larks sing, and I don't wonder.

Very soon there is a rush of others, all building in the orchard and lucern fields. If you want a treat, slip down into a field where larks, blackbirds and bobolinks have colonized for the summer. Just lie down with the tall blades and green plumes of wheat, rye or barley around you, and listen for an hour or two. If new happiness does not slip into your soul, then I think the gates of it must be fastened, the lock rusted and the key lost.

If you live in a city where such a delight as this cannot be had, tame birds are better than none; but I would rather walk down the green aisles of a corn-field whose blades are like swords, whose tassels are - like silk floss, and whose very rustle betokens the industrious, bustling farmer, hurrying up his crop for the mill. Perhaps when you get down to the farther end, a whole army of sunflowers with their splendid golden heads will surprise you, and some common weeds may be all interlaced with the dodder, as though a skein of yellow silk thread had got tangled in them. But if you must live in the city, which of those birds that live in cages do you like best? I have had parrots, cockatoos and canaries, but my favorites were the humming-birds, and I will tell you about them. One day while walking in the orchard, I observed a large knot on a branch. As I gazed, a humming-bird flew out, and, stepping up, I found a nest not near so large as half a common egg, and in it were two eggs like peas. What a wonderful sight for me! and a good long look I enjoyed every day.

One morning when I went there I saw two black, ugly things, and exclaimed: "Oh, those horrible bugs have eaten those pretty eggs ! " and was just going to send them whirling, when they opened their mouths, and I saw that they were young birds, but such ugly things. I watched them daily, and they grew very fast, their bodies soon catching up in proportion to their mouths, and in due time the pretty feathers appeared. Then I took a hoop-skirt, covered it with mosquito bar netting, gathered together at the top and underneath, and, hanging it in a deep window, had a large and pretty cage. I cut off the apricot branch and fastened it like a perch inside, then with fresh bunches of sweet flowers in the swinging vase, it was a pretty home. I wondered if the old birds would have me for a landlady, and left the front open. It was not long before they flew to their young ones, and then the opening was fastened. I afterward hung a division inside, and other humming-birds also came in. In a short time all were so tame that they would perch on one hand and eat from a spoon held in the other, and when they were done eating the dissolved sugar or honey, they would wipe their long bills on my hand. They also beam very affectionate, and when a hand was thrust inside, they would 1 fly to it, and, perching, rub their heads against it just as a kitten does. Visitors were often surprised at these lovely pets and their humming. One was a voracious and noisy fellow, and I let him go, for his incessant darting and loud humming sometimes made our heads ache.

Once after a thunder-storm I found some dead humming-birds and happened to throw them near an ant- hill. A few days later I discovered them entirely stripped of feathers and skin. Once when I was holding a live one by the feet and its wings were extended, its feathers seemed to stand out, and I could see al- most through the body, which appeared like a bubble, so I thought they have hardly any flesh upon them. Well, the ants had left the skeletons entire, from bill- tips to claw-tips, and they were the tiniest and prettiest anatomies that could be imagined. I kept them a long time as curiosities, in a pretty, saucer-shaped shell.

California has one hundred varieties of these tiny birds. I have seen them perched upon clothes-lines, and so tame that the gardener could strike the line with his hoe handle, when they would drop, stunned by the shock. They are also very wise and wary. One cold morning I found one that was like dead. I held it by the tip of its bill, pitying the limp little creature, then laid it in my hand, admiring the pretty feathers, when, away it flies! ''Oh, the little deceiver!" cried my sister. But perhaps it just then, in the warmth of my hands, recovered consciousness.

On cool mornings I often wore a soft woolen scarf around my shoulders, crossed in front and tied behind, especially in my early rambles before breakfast. More than once I found, after a rain, chilled humming- birds unable to fly. It was easy to catch these, for they were just newly fledged, and I would place them inside my warm scarf. Before long they would begin to flutter; then when I reached home it was easy to add them to my collection. I fear that many of those fairy-like creatures die annually if a cool wave occurs before they are grown.

A PARROT.

Now let me tell you of a parrot I once knew. He was owned by the mayor of San Francisco, who lived so near to the ships in the harbor at one time that the sailors could be seen on the ships, and their rough language heard by Polly, who seemed to be always listening to everything, and to have no objection to repeating it. I found this out by following the house-keeper into the kitchen, when I was at the house with my mother. Polly had become so boisterous that his society was not considered suitable for the parlor. They called Polly " him " and " her " also. Polly often annoyed the cook by moving the spice-boxes and other small articles he was using, if he turned his back, blowing out the wax candles in the dining- room with his wings, disarranging the newly-set table, etc. Polly would call back the master's hound from following him, or cry, "Stop thief!" after any gentle- man passing. When Polly at last caught a gentleman's gold-bowed spectacles from beside his book while he was opening their case to put them away, and then dropped them from the balcony into the harbor, patience was exhausted, and Polly banished from the luxurious home. After this I never saw Polly again.

WHEN about eight years old, I had, on my way to school, to pass three things that I dreaded. One was a lone pelican that would follow me for a portion of my school lunch. I judge that it could easily have swallowed it all and wished for more.

The next was a lame old white horse that would walk when I walked and run when I ran. He was a constant alarm to me, although he might once have been a pet and his intentions may have been friendly. Perhaps some little girl just my size may have been good to him and he remembered it; but I didn't know. Further along lived a gentleman who had as pets four monkeys, and they used to climb the poles to which they were chained and then jump down and make disagreeable faces and noises, beside throwing anything they could get hold of at passers. I have never liked monkeys since.

Abraham

BEFORE the death of Pres. Brigham Young, there lived in Utah an orphan youth named Abraham. His opportunities for education had b.een limited, but he strove to learn all he could by observation, and listened to the conversations of those whom he knew to be wiser than himself. He was industrious and rigidly abstained from the use of tea, coffee, tobacco and spirituous drinks, believing them to be injurious to the system.

It was a rule with him to consider before speaking, and to avoid all contentions, consequently his name was never associated with any quarrel or provocative speech, and, although his acquaintances could never draw him into any mischievous raids or pranks, they always had a good word for him. Before he was nineteen, he had made two trips to California and back with freighters, and one to Nevada. At the latter place he was offered good wages by a dairyman, and accepted the situation. With his first money he obtained from Salt Lake City a set of church-books and one year's subscription to the Deseret News, wishing to inform himself upon his religion and keep up with events as they transpired among our people, so as not to appear as a stranger when he should return. Abraham never read trifling books or papers, his little leisure was too precious. He was the only Mormon on the ranch, and they began teasing him, but he treated them with such quiet dignity that they soon changed their course, and if they asked any questions they were respectful ones, which he answered to the best of his ability. At the end of the first year he sent his money with a letter to Pres. George Q. Cannon, asking him to invest it for him in what he considered the best way. That gracious and kind-hearted gentleman accepted the responsibility and purchased shares in Zion's Co-operative Mercantile Institution, and sent certificates of the same to his young acquaintance.

For Abraham's second year's labor he received, beside some money, two fine mares with colts, beside them a new wagon and harness. "That means travel," thought he, and told his employer, who, with all his men, now liked the steady youth so well that he offered increase of wages if he would stay. " I'm going home," said Abraham, smiling. Highwaymen were common in that region. The Indians also were troublesome sometimes. When Abraham expressed his intention of going the old, unfrequented road, fears were declared, but he smiled as he bade them good-by. One day he observed Indians following him, and when at night they came to his camp, he treated them kindly, sharing his supper with them, and then preached to them upon the history of their ancestors, as learned from the Book of Mormon. They traveled with him three days and nights. Next day, as he was descending an old dugway, his team was blockaded by a deep snow-drift. With his ax he cleared the way for several rods, then went on without further trouble. Arriving in Salt Lake City in August, 1871, he repaired to the office of Pres. Brigham Young, where he found Pres. George Q. Cannon, and reported himself. That gentleman was so pleased he led him into an inner room and said : " President Young, I would like you to hear this young brother's experience." Abraham answered many questions, all of which proved him to be no idle student of theology or current events. "Well, Brother Abraham, what are you going to do next?" " I have no plans of my own, sir. I was going to ask counsel." " Are you willing to go on a mission?" " Yes, sir." "Would you prefer going to your kindred in New Hampshire or assist in colonizing Arizona?" " Your choice, President Young, will be my preference." Our leader reflected a moment. " What does your property amount to? and what is it?" Abraham made the statement. " Brother Abraham, are you willing to take counsel if I ask you to go on a mission and give your property into the United Order? " " Yes, sir."

" That's the right spirit," said he reflectively. Abraham arose to go. " Where shall I deliver my team. President Young?" "Are you quite sure you are willing, Brother Abraham?"

" Yes, sir," said he, smiling. " I want to be of use in this church, and any way that is acceptable to it is acceptable to me." President Young arose, took the young man by the hand, and said solemnly : " Brother Abraham, take your team where it suits you best; you are the most proper person I know to possess it. I give you a mission to find a good wife and make you a home wherever you wish in this Territory. If you choose to remain here, employment will be given you. I wish we had more men like you, and I say, God bless you ! "

Such was the spirit and counsel of the man whom many judge unjustly; such was ever his fatherly spirit to the faithful.

His counsel was followed, and the hero of my story still lives and holds the confidence and esteem of all good men wherever he goes. When his boys and girls read this, I hope it will give them as much pride and pleasure as it has given me in recording it.

Dumb creatures

When the all-wise God created animals, and some of them for the use of man, it is not to be believed that he intended creatures of the highest degree of intelligence to be cruel to those so much inferior in understanding and so helpless. When men fight, it is considered cowardice for one to strike another when he is- down. (Gentlemen never fight, they reason the matter to an understanding and settlement.) But man will strike poor dumb animals, who are all the time down in helplessness. A gentleman never does this wrong to his honor, for he knows there are other ways of doing.- Man would soon weary of the many heavy burdens, or sink under them, if he and not the horse had to bear them. There would be few journeys made, and where would be the delightful rides and sleighing were there no horses ? In some countries men transport great loads of freight upon their backs, and how strange it looks to us, even in pictures.

Cows are generally timid creatures, and, in a certain way, the best of animals. How many good things to eat would be lacking if we had no milk! Nothing in the vegetable kingdom would answer the purpose. The cow, then, should at all times be regarded as our benefactress as much as man is hers, and should receive our kindest treatment. What would the children do without bread and milk? How some folks would miss ice-cream in the summer-time! And then such frolics as the children have in the country with bossy's calf.

But aside from our own ideas and pleasure on the subject, we have a Master who is the friend of all dumb creatures, and some day we and they will meet Him and have to listen to what will be said.

In the Bible it is written : "And at His coming all flesh shall speak, and the trees shall clap their leaves for joy." All flesh includes animals, birds, and every other living thing. How will some persons feel in the day of judgment when the dumb creatures they have beaten or half starved rise up before them and bear witness against them? The Creator is just, he will hear the helpless, and he will not say, "Your cause is just, but I can do nothing for you;" no, those cruel hearts will have to meet their reward.

It seems to me that a person who will take two peaceable dogs and worry them into a cruel fight, is not even of so good a spirit as the dogs themselves. It is strange that human intelligence can stoop to such a level, no, beneath the level of the brute creation.

Cruelty to animals is receiving a large share of attention in some cities, and laws to protect these dumb creatures and punish their cruel masters, have been enacted. There is an association which publishes a good paper called Our Dumb Animals, and it is a good one for everyone, old and young, to read. Many thousands of children are joining it by letter. Its object is to teach kindness, and thus the law become natural and universal. Many beautiful stories are related, and they desire to learn all they can of such in the experience of their new members.

In a certain kingdom, Norway, I am told that if a man beats his horse cruelly, or overloads it, or drives it too fast, he is brought before the proper officers of the law and fined. If the offense is repeated, he is fined and imprisoned, and on the third offense these penalties are again imposed and the animal taken from him. But in that country it is seldom that cruelty is exercised, for it is hard for the poor to earn a living, and a horse or a cow is regarded as riches, and these creatures are generally treated with all the kindness they need. Sheep arc also very kindly treated, for the nice long wool will some day be transferred from its own place into the family's use.

I have even seen a bed-spread made from cow's hair, and it was a handsome one, too. I knew a young girl who told me: "In my country I was poor and could not afford to keep a pet hen, even, times were so hard. Now I keep sixty. I am rich." This girl made a good use of her income, and in two years' profits of her industry, emigrated a lone relative, who now unites with her in the same business. These good women saw much among us Americans that looked to them like waste. A friend once remarked : " These foreigners use what we would waste, and sell what we would use, and that is why they prosper where we do not get ahead." I once saw a Swede currying his horse and observed that he carefully saved the hair in a box. As a dear friend of mine says, " I haven't got a particle of inquisitiveness, but my 'want to know' is very large," so I asked him why he did that. He told me that he was going to add a room to his house before long, and would use this in the plaster instead of throwing it away and buying more. Then he patted his horse and praised its shining coat and ended by thanking Blackbird for the contribution.

In Far-Away Bohemia

NOT many months ago something was shown and told to me of a youth whom I had known in his in-fancy. Time flies swiftly, and I could hardly realize that the lovely boy I had once held in my arms was already a man and a hero.

I was visiting a lady when another entered the room with something carefully folded in her hands, and said, "I am going to show you this, because you will appreciate it and understand my feelings." What do you think it was? A dark blue apron, made to come up across the breast and down below the knees, like a butcher's apron. Then she told me its story. Her son had been called to go and preach the gospel in Bohemia. He was very young, and must have been filled with the spirit of his mission to go cheerfully so far away across the world among a strange people, he who had never before been separated from his own kindred and mountain home.

The country to which he went was a marked spot upon the earth for the great scenes which had been enacted there, and must be dear to the Lord for the sake of the great and good men who laid down their lives for love of his word.

More than a thousand years ago, many of that people were searching for the truth with such earnestness that they cheerfully devoted their fortunes and their lives to that end. They lived one long-continued warfare in its pursuit, and many at last perished in the flames or by the sword, but Bohemia was the place to which still came the lovers of the Bible to speak together in secret, and from there the truth spread into other countries, while the faithful at home hid and preserved the Holy Bible from complete destruction, through century after century. Nation after nation made war upon these religionists, and they were deprived of their rights one by one, until neither their property nor lives were safe.

So to that country stained with the blood, her streams clouded with the ashes, of martyrs, went Louis, to tell them a new meaning of the Scriptures, tidings of great joy, the restoration of the Gospel, and the second coming of our Lord and Saviour to reign upon the earth, surrounded by the pure, the noble, and all who have suffered and died for his cause.

But the laws of that country are still very strict, and Louis was compelled to adopt a disguise by which he could enter the houses and leave a few printed pages to open the minds of the people to further inquiry. So he, with a companion, traveled together as tinkers, with an outfit for mending kitchen utensils, and this was the apron he wore.

Oh, what humility ! thus to descend to fulfill the mission of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Can you imagine the anxiety, the hopes and prayers, of his father, his loving mother, and all the kindred who had known him from infancy to manhood, while he wandered through that land whose record was volume after volume of religious discussions and persecutions ?

But he who called him to go, brought him back in safety and honor. Joy and peace are theirs for faith that has been proven, and work well done. There are many nations yet to be visited and invited to the truth, and the missionary can truly see that " the harvest is great but the laborers are few," and the hearts of men are inclined more to seeking after riches and pleasure than giving their service unto the Lord.

All honor to the young missionary who wore the garb of humility and bore his Master's message. Such are builders in His kingdom, and He will delight to own and bless them.

Deaf and Dumb

THE child who is possessed of the five senses, seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and speech, and has a well-formed body, is greatly blessed, though lowly and poor, whether he knows it or not. To be a cripple is an affliction; to inherit a sickly body is a serious barrier to enjoyment. Then how thankful children should be who have sound bodies and all their faculties! Imagine a watch or a sewing-machine with one or more parts missing ! There are so few cases among the Latter-day Saints of .physical or mental deficiency that our children cannot realize how it is out in the world. If we placed a proper value upon these gifts of God, we would never use them unwisely.

We would not lend our eyes to gaze upon forbidden pleasures (gambling, horse-racing, evil company) or books, such as by false teaching or fascinating stories lead the mind astray; our ears to listen to calumnies, profanity, or impure conversation; our. tongues to speak falsely, or taste intoxicating drinks, or tobacco, or in saying anything we should be ashamed of.

In resisting these temptations lies the chief trial of life. "What!" asks one, "do the chief evils of life come through the use of eyes, ears, and tongue ? I thought it was what we did." Yes, but your eyes, ears, and tongue lead you into the acts. The souls of the blind are unsullied by sights of sin. The hearts of the deaf have never ached in response to angry tones. The tongues of the dumb have never uttered profanity.

When I have heard and seen children quarreling, with discordant voices, and darting angry looks as challenges or resentment, I have wished that I might take them to an institution where the deaf, dumb, and blind reside. I think their hearts would be touched with pity and sorrow.

Look upon the eyes that have never seen one of the millions of beautiful things in this world, the ears that have never heard music or a loving voice that exist in eternal blank. Think of the tongues like frozen brooks, fettered prisoners that cannot utter one sound, though in peril or the pains of death. Try to realize such a life as this would be, or all of these combined, and then ask yourself if God has slighted you.

But the fortunate possessor of all these gifts must not be too sure that they are his, or his to keep ; they are not; God has lent them to us, and requires us to make a wise use of them.

Some have kept these blessings all their lives, but I have known of instances to the contrary. In two cases, where falsehood and abuse had been exercised, the parties were for several days before death unable to speak. Tears and anguish of the countenance told plainly of the soul's punishment, but the words of repentance could not then be spoken ; it was too late ! There have been many instances of God's visitation and judgment. O children of the Latter-day Saints, you have been taught of the watch that is over you by day and by night! Shun such dangers, and live in such a manner that you may feel a right to claim the blessing and protection of the heavenly Parent.

The canary and the prophecy

There was another boy, a little older. He was very fond of birds and felt willing to do anything he was able to perform, to earn money enough to buy himself a canary and a cage. Very soon he managed to find employment, sometimes one thing and sometimes another, always so prompt, faithful and cheerful that he soon found persons inquiring after him, instead of having to hunt work.

After what seemed a very long time, for birds used to be very dear in those days, my little friend had a sum sufficient, and started out, as happy as could be, to make his purchase. The bird was selected ; the price was $5.oo, and the cage was $1.50. He then bought ten cents' worth of seed to feed it, intending to soon purchase more. The merchant began laughing and ridiculing him about the small package of feed. The poor boy left the store with his treasure, but far from being as happy as when he entered it, and going home with burning cheeks and heavy heart, he told his gentle mother.

The father arrived and was informed and immediately started down town. When he entered the store, the merchant knew something was coming, and soon found out what it was. ''Where was your man- hood when you could ridicule a little child that had worked for weeks and weeks to pay you a high price for a bird and cage? I promise you here that that boy will rise and have name and wealth when you are down and poor! You may watch him and I will watch you!"

The man of avarice shrank before the eye and voice of the man who uttered those significant words.

Within ten years the merchant had lost his fine store, his comfortable home property, and was scarcely earning a living, besides being an object of sympathy, from his altered health and dejected appearance. Two years later, and while he still lived, the boy had realized the fulfillment of that portion of his father's prophecy which related to him, by an office of trust and emolument, which his proven integrity and ability had qualified him for, being conferred upon him.

The value of a copper coin

Mahatma Gandhi, honoured as the father of India, was a very special person. The following story illustrates one of the reasons for him to be called ‘Mahatma’ (great soul).

Once, Gandhi was on an expedition to collect funds from various cities and villages for an organization to help the poor. He went to several places and finally reached Orissa. He organized a meeting in Orissa.

There, he gave a speech to the public, requesting them to give him funds for the organization. At the end of his speech, a very old woman with bent back, tattered clothing, white hair, and shrunken skin got up. She requested the volunteers to allow her to reach Gandhi. However, the volunteers stopped her. She did not give up. She fought with them and reached Gandhi.

She touched the feet of Gandhi. Then she took out a copper coin kept in the folds of her saree and placed it at his feet. Then the old lady left the stage.

Gandhi very carefully took the coin. The treasurer of the organization for the poor asked Gandhi for the copper coin, but he refused to give it.

“I keep cheques worth thousands of rupees,” said the treasurer. “Yet you won’t trust me with a copper coin!”

Gandhi said, “This copper coin is worth much more than those thousands. If a man has several lakhs and he gives away a thousand or two, it doesn’t mean much.”

Yes, the coin might have been the only thing that the poor old woman possessed. She did not even have proper clothes and could not afford good food. Still she gave everything she had. That is why Gandhi regarded the coin as very precious.

MORAL:

Offering help when we have nothing or very little makes it more valuable.

Gold coins and a selfishman

Sam was a greedy and selfish man. He always desired to have lots and lots of money and never hesitated to cheat others to make money. Also, he never wished to share anything with others. He paid very low wages to his servants.

However, one day, he learned a lesson that changed his life forever.

It so happened that one day, a small bag that belonged to Sam was missing. The bag had 50 gold coins in it. Sam searched high and low for the bag, but could not find it. Sam’s friends and neighbours also joined in the search, but all their efforts were in vain.

After a couple of days, the ten year old daughter of a man working for Sam found the bag. She told her father about it. Her father identified the bag as the one that was missing, and immediately decided to take it to his master.

He gave the bag back to his master Sam, and asked him to check whether the bag had 50 gold coins. Sam was exultant to get the coins back, but he decided to play a trick. He shouted at his worker, “there were 75 gold coins in this bag but you gave me only 50! Where are the other coins? You have stolen them!”

The worker was shocked to hear this and pleaded his innocence. Selfish and greedy, Sam did not accept the worker’s story, and decided to take the issue to court.

The judge heard both the sides. He questioned the daughter and the worker about the number of coins they had found in the bag, and they assured it was only 50.

He cross-examined Sam and Sam replied, “Yes my lord, I had 75 gold coins in my bag, and they gave me only 50. Hence, it is quite obvious that they have stolen 25 coins!”

The judge then asked, “Are you sure that your bag had 75 coins?”

Sam nodded vigorously.

The judge then made his judgment.

“Since Sam lost a bag of 75 gold coins and the bag found by the girl had only 50 coins, it is obvious that the bag that was found does not belong to Sam. It was lost by someone else. If anyone finds a bag of 75 gold coins, I will declare that it belongs to Sam. As there are no complaints about the loss of 50 coins, I order the girl and his father to take those 50 coins as a token of appreciation for their honesty!”

MORAL:

Honesty will always be rewarded and greed punished!

The proud red rose

One beautiful spring day a red rose blossomed in a forest. As the rose looked around, a pine tree nearby said, “What a beautiful flower! I wish I was that lovely.” Another tree said, “Dear pine, do not be sad. We cannot have everything.”

The rose turned and remarked, “It seems that I am the most beautiful flower in this forest.”

A sunflower raised its yellow head and asked, “Why do you say that? In this forest there are many beautiful flowers. You are just one of them.”

The red rose replied, “I see everyone looking at me and admiring me.” Then the rose looked at a cactus and said, “Look at that ugly plant full of thorns!”

The pine tree said, “Red rose, what kind of talk is this? Who can say what beauty is? You have thorns too.”

The proud red rose looked angrily at the pine and said, “I thought you had good taste! You do not know what beauty is at all. You cannot compare my thorns to that of the cactus.”

“What a proud flower,” thought the trees.

The rose tried to move its roots away from the cactus, but it could not move. As the days passed, the red rose would look at the cactus and say insulting things, like ‘this plant is useless. How sorry I am to be his neighbor.’

The cactus never got upset and even tried to advise the rose, saying, “God did not create any form of life without a purpose.”

Spring passed, and the weather became very warm. Life became difficult in the forest, as there was no rain. The red rose began to wilt.

One day the rose saw sparrows stick their beaks into the cactus and then fly away, refreshed. This was puzzling, and the red rose asked the pine tree what the birds were doing. The pine tree explained that the birds were getting water from the cactus.

“Does it not hurt when they make holes?” asked the rose.

“Yes, but the cactus does not like to see the birds suffer,” replied the pine.

The rose opened its eyes in wonder and exclaimed, “The cactus has water?”

“Yes, you can also drink from it. The sparrow can bring water to you if you ask the cactus for help.”

The red rose felt too ashamed to ask for water from the cactus, but finally it did ask for help. The cactus kindly agreed. The birds filled their beaks with water and watered the rose’s roots.

Then the rose learned a lesson and never judged anyone by their appearance again.

The hungry fox who got caught in the tree trunk

The hungry fox who got caught in the tree trunk

Once upon a time, there was a hungry fox that was looking for something to eat. He was very hungry. No matter how hard he tried, the fox could not find food. Finally he went to the edge of the forest and searched there for food. Suddenly he caught sight of a big tree with a hole in it.

Inside the hole was a package. The hungry fox immediately thought that there might be food in it, and became very happy. He jumped into the hole. When he opened the package, he saw slices of bread, meat and fruit in it!

An old woodcutter had placed the food in the tree trunk before he began to cut down trees in the forest. He was going to eat it for his lunch.

The fox happily began to eat. After he finished eating, he felt thirsty and decided to leave the hole and drink some water from a nearby spring. However, no matter how hard he tried, he could not get out of the hole. Do you know why? Yes, the fox had eaten so much food that he became too big to fit through the hole!

The fox was very sad and upset. He told himself, “I wish I had thought a little before jumping into the hole.”

MORAL:

Yes children, this is the result of doing something without thinking about it first.

Christmas surprise part 4

Soon Emily opened all her presents. There was a beautiful jacket from Fritz, a pair of warm winter pants from Monty, a woolen cap from Harry, and mittens from Cornelius.

Then Emily opened my gift. “Oh, red boots – my favorite color!” she said happily. “Let’s all go outside and play in the snow. I won’t be cold now!” she added.

Suddenly there was a loud knock at the door.

“Who could that be?” asked Fritz. “Everybody is here already.”

We cautiously went to the door.

But by the time Fritz opened the door, the visitor had already left. We could see the back of his sleigh disappearing behind the snow-covered tops of the fir trees.

“Santa Claus!” called Emily as loud as she could. But all we heard was a faint “Ho, ho, ho!”

“Look, he brought me a present!” Emily said. She pointed to a beautiful red sled. Hanging from it was a label that read FOR EMILY FROM SANTA CLAUS.

“I knew he would come! I knew it!” cried Emily as she danced around her new sled.

This was certainly one of the best Christmas Days we had ever had! And Emily enjoyed riding on her special sled – pulled by five Santa Clauses!

THE END

Christmas surprise part 3

When I was near Fritz’s house, I noticed many other tracks in the snow leading to his front door.

I guessed Fritz was having a big Christmas party. It’s strange that I didn’t get an invitation, I thought. But it was Christmas, and Santa was always welcome on a day like that!

Then I knocked.

I could hear little Emily’s footsteps coming to the door.

“Hi, Waldo!” Emily cried as she opened the door. “I’m so happy you could come too. We were expecting you. Please come in.”

Expecting me? Waldo? How did she know it was me? Didn’t I look like Santa Claus?

I didn’t even have the time to try out any of my Ho, Ho, Hos but followed her into the living room.

There were Fritz, Monty, Cornelius, and Harry, sitting on the sofa and having tea. And each one was dressed up as Santa Claus!

“We didn’t want Emily to be disappointed!” Monty explained.

“I know, I know!” I said. “I thought of the same surprise. Merry Christmas to all of you!”

To be continued...........