"How do they make the cloth?" asked Malcolm.
"It is first made as cloth," was the reply; "then a thin coating of India-rubber is spread over two layers of it. The cloth is then put together and pressed between rollers, so that the two pieces firmly adhere, with the caoutchoue between them. No rain can penetrate such a screen as this,"
It was delightful to know that they would be safe and dry in case of a shower, and the children thought it must be just the prettiest tent that ever was made. The cushioned seat was covered with scarlet, and so were the little chairs, which Clara and Edith knew were meant for them; the edges of the cloth were scalloped with the same bright color, and there was even a rug to match spread in front of the "divan," as Miss Harson laughingly said the cushioned seat must be called.
"Haven't we 'most come to the end of the trees?" asked Clara. "I never thought that there were so many different kinds,"
"Look around and see if you feel acquainted with them all," replied her governess.
They had left the tent after quite a long "sitting," and were now on their way to the house.
Clara's first glance, on doing as she had been directed, fell on three trees by the side of a fence, that were different from any they had yet studied.
"What do you notice about them?" continued Miss Harson; "for I wish you to use your own eyes and thoughts as much as possible."
"Why, the trunk is dark gray, and it isn't smooth, but it looks as if some one had dug out long, thin pieces of bark."
"We will call it 'deeply furrowed,'" said her governess, "as that is a better expression; but your description is very good indeed."