THE BEAR.
Carrie. "Isn't the bear's skin to keep him warm in winter?"
Mamma. "Yes, Carrie."
Carrie. "Then what does he have to keep him cool in summer?"
It is not very often that we hear of the Russian peasant equalling the Irish peasant in witty sayings, but doubtless those who read the following retort of a Russian will allow that sometimes they are fully equal to the Irish, regardless of the wonderful readiness of the Celtic tongue.
It seems a peasant, having accumulated a little money, took himself to town to purchase a new pair of boots. Returning homewards he espied a luxuriant spot for a siesta, and being tired, lay down for a quiet nap, which developed into a sound sleep. A conscienceless tramp passing along the road took note of the peasant's new boots, and also of his own very poor footgear, and decided an exchange would be beneficial; and accordingly he stripped the peasant of his new purchase and proceeded on his way. The driver of a passing wagon, seeing the peasant's legs stretched part way across the road, yelled for him to "take his legs out of the way."
"Legs?" inquired the half-awake peasant, "what legs?" and then rubbing his eyes, he stared stupidly at his lower limbs. "Drive on," said he; "those legs ain't mine. Mine had boots on."