One can see at a glance that this horse is well cared for; her silky coat makes us wish to pet her. Notice the white star-shaped mark on her forehead.
The hound must have followed the horse, for he does not look as if he belonged in the blacksmith shop. He seems to be a little afraid of the hot tongs placed in front of him, and looks as if he might run away the next time the sparks begin to fly.
That sleepy-looking little donkey must belong to some child, for you can see the saddle on his back. Probably some boy will call for him, and ride him home.
Notice how the light comes in through the upper half of the doorway and falls upon the figures. Can you see where the light from the fire in the forge is shining?
We cannot see the bird in the cage hanging from the roof of the blacksmith shop, but no doubt it sang very merrily on the bright sunny day this must have been. The smith has placed its cage a safe distance from the heat, and where it can get plenty of air and sunlight. No doubt they are great friends, but how the bird must wish to try its wings in a long flight up beyond the treetops and into the bright blue sky!
When the shoe is fixed the blacksmith will open the door and Betty will trot home by herself. No wonder Mr. Bell was proud of a horse that knew so much and was so beautiful. Would you not like to have a horse like Betty?
Questions to help the pupil understand the picture. When a horse needs new shoes, where does its owner take it? What is the name of the horse in our picture? Why did Betty come to the blacksmith shop? How did she let the blacksmith know what she wanted? Does she seem pleased with the shoe he is trying on? How can he make it fit? Why does he heat the shoe red hot? Upon what does he place the red-hot shoe to pound it into shape? On the blackboard draw a picture of an anvil. What does the blacksmith use when he blows the coals to make a hotter fire? With what does he hold the hot shoes? Why does he put them in cold water before trying them on? How does he fasten the shoe on the horse's hoof? Why does it not hurt a horse to be shod? What do you see on the donkey's back? Of what is the dog afraid? What does the blacksmith wear to keep the sparks from burning his clothes? Why is that low gate placed in the doorway? To whom did Betty belong? Who came to paint her picture? Why did he paint her in the blacksmith shop? What makes you think she was well cared for? Why do you suppose she is so gentle and patient? Where does the light in the picture come from? Why do you like Betty?
To the Teacher: Have the pupils memorize the following lines from Longfellow's The Village Blacksmith:
And children coming home from school
Look in at the open door;