Pictures and Stories

BOAT SAILING.
PROVIDENCE: Published by GEO. P. DANIELS. 1847.
One morning Susan had promised to give her little bird his liberty. When she had opened the door of the cage, she ran to her Mamma, and they both watched him. He flew down and warbled the sweetest song Susan ever heard. When he had flown away, she watched him until her eyes pained her, and the tears rolled down her cheeks. She felt sorry to part with him, but she knew it was wrong to deprive him of his liberty.
This little girl is the daughter of a poor woman, who lives in the cottage just beyond the bridge over which you see she is passing. In her basket she is carrying some radishes, which she sells to her more wealthy neighbors. They all know her; and though poor, she is respected and treated kindly by them. She has improved very much at school, though she cannot attend as regularly as those who do not have to work for a living.
I wonder what this little girl is crying about? O! I have found out. John has taken the kittens from the old cat, and has drowned them in the pond; and she is ready to call him a heartless creature for doing so. Do you think he is? O, no. It would be cruel, indeed, to torment the kittens as some children do; but John was told to drown them for the convenience of the family; so dry up your tears, Miss Lucy.
I hope every child who reads this book will take notice of the manner in which this little boy comes into the room where his elders are. He does not run with all his might, neither does he forget he had a hat on. But with his hat in his hand, and with cautious looks and becoming modesty, he approaches to make known his errand. Many children grow up without restraint. When they go abroad, their actions excite laughter, instead of respect.
Ellen Carter was a good girl. She always loved to obey her mamma. Unlike many naughty children, she did not stop to inquire whether it would be agreeable to herself; but did what she was bid cheerfully and promptly. For this reason, her mamma loved her. One fine afternoon, she permitted her to receive a visit from two of her schoolmates, whom you see with her, regaling themselves at the table. They behave so prettily that I cannot think they will indulge themselves with eating to excess.