[Plate 15]. This drawing will answer as an illustration of harvest time, or perhaps the gift itself to be packed and sent away. Our lesson in object drawing may be from these or similar objects. In this sketch a few vertical strokes give the background and box, similar curving strokes the barrel, and horizontal strokes the floor. The vegetables are drawn by using the suggestions found in No. 9, [Plate 3]. The kernels of corn are represented by the use of a very small piece of chalk and stroke No. 10, and the husks by using No. 5, No. 6, and No. 7, [Plate 2]. The details are added with the point of the chalk, and charcoal is used in the shadows.

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Christmas time of all seasons in the year is the one the children most love, and there are innumerable stories and Christmas lessons for the little ones. Let me give you a few verses I heard in the first grade and the illustration used.

Christmas-day was coming, Christmas-eve drew near;
Fir-trees they were talking low, at midnight cold and clear,
And this is what the fir-tree said, all in the pale moonlight,
“Now which of us shall chosen be to grace the ‘Holy Night’?”
The tall trees and the goodly trees raised each a lofty head,
In glad and secret confidence, tho’ not a word they said,
But one, the baby of the band, could not restrain a sigh:
“You all will be approved,” said he, “but oh, what chance have I?”
“I am so small, so very small, no one will mark or know
How thick and green my needles are, how true my branches grow;
Few toys or candles could I hold, but heart and will are free,
And in my heart of hearts I know I am a Christmas-tree.”

The children told of the woodman who took his axe and started in search of a tree for his baby at home; of the delight of the little tree at being chosen, and of the joy of the little daughter when she saw it arrayed and holding her Christmas gifts. The accompanying drawing will serve as an illustration for this story or as a sketch of the forest in winter.

[Plate 16]. In this sketch use the strokes suggested for illustrations No. 13, Plate 5, and No. 22, [Plate 10]. Use the side of the chalk, hardly touching the board and keeping the drawing very gray. Accent with a strong pressure the parts representing snow.

This is but one suggestion. There is the inevitable Christmas tree with the toys and gifts, Santa Claus bearing his bundle of gifts or going down the chimney, and the fireplace with the stockings, all of which are quickly drawn in the manner given in previous sketches.

Washington’s birthday brings to mind the stories of his life, and pictures may be found illustrating these incidents. One or two which all may see and discuss will prove valuable.