CHAPTER XVII.
When Tiny learned to write letters, he spent many happy hours corresponding with his mother and his friends at Squirreltown. Almost every day a messenger pigeon brought him a letter, which he read with great pleasure. Here are a few of these letters that passed between Beaver Creek and Squirreltown:
ALMOST EVERY DAY A MESSENGER PIGEON BROUGHT HIM A LETTER.
Beaver Creek, Joy Co.,
Animal Kingdom,
May 1, ——.My Dear Mother:
While you were sleeping away the long, cold winter, I was studying with all my might, trying to keep at the head of my class.
I like Beaver Creek very much. Miss Hare is a good and capable teacher. I shall be sorry to graduate from here in June, and yet I am anxious to get back to Squirreltown again.
The spring flowers are blooming all about Beaver Creek. I wish you could see how beautiful they are. The daisy, which is like a white star, opens with the morning sun. The morning glory shuts up its sweet petals before noon. The dandelion opens early, but closes when the heat becomes too great. The anemone, so blue and so fragile, sleeps at the approach of a storm; while the water lily curls up and hides itself in the mud at the bottom of the pond. The marsh marigold is a hardy little flower. It drinks, drinks, drinks, from morning till night, pleased with any kind of weather.
I will tell you more about the beauties of Beaver Creek, one of these days. In the meantime, please write and tell me about dear old Squirreltown.
Your affectionate son,
Tiny.Mrs. Jane Redsquirrel,
124 Oak Avenue,
Squirreltown,
Animal Kingdom.
124 Oak Avenue,
Squirreltown,
Animal Kingdom,
May 8, ——.My Dear Son:
I was very glad to hear from you and to learn that you are well and happy.
Dr. Flyingsquirrel, the mayor, and many of your friends inquire about you each day. Peggy and Bushy Graysquirrel, who have grown quite large since you saw them, are planning to give a party for you when you return.
You will be glad to learn that Chatty Chipmunk returned home just before winter set in. He had been wandering for a long, long time. Once he thrust his inquisitive nose into a nest of yellow-jackets, and it took him a long time to recover.
I feel so sorry for the Chipmunks. They are all, with the exception of Chatty, such active, industrious creatures. I fear he will never outlive the bad habits formed in his early youth. He does little but sleep in his round room at the end of the long hall, and eat large quantities of beechnuts.
Now, my son, learn all you can. Do not eat too many acorns, and be sure to keep your fur clean and smooth.
Your devoted mother,
Jane Redsquirrel.Mr. Tiny Redsquirrel,
Beaver Creek, Joy Co., Animal Kingdom.
Beech Hotel,
Squirreltown, Animal Kingdom,
May 14, ——.Dear Friend:
I received your jolly letter, and I am going to show my appreciation by sending an early reply.
Sister Peggy and I are spending a few days with our friend, Polly Blacksquirrel. We are all well, after our long winter’s nap, and are enjoying ourselves greatly.
The other day, Polly took Peggy and me down to the pond to hear a famous orchestra. We sat upon a mossy seat close to the blue water, and patiently waited until all the musicians had come out of the water and had taken their seats on the green lily pads. The leader of the band was very pompous, and his white vest was covered with medals. I had to laugh at the airs he put on.
The musicians, of course, were frogs, and they all wore green coats and white vests. They looked so odd with their bulging eyes and swelling throats! One large bull frog played a bass viol. He was a savage fellow, and, frequently, he would go down into the water to eat poor little tadpoles.
Now you know that gray squirrels are more fond of music than are any other kind of squirrel; but, so far as I am concerned, I do not like to be too close to a frog orchestra.
Is it not queer that frogs and fishes, both of which live in the water, are so unlike? Polly’s father said that if a frog keeps his mouth open very long, he will die; while a fish has to keep his mouth open most of the time to permit his breathing organs to act properly.
Peggy and Polly join me in sending you our kindest regards.
Your true friend,
Bushy Graysquirrel.Tiny Redsquirrel, Esq.,
Beaver Creek,
Animal Kingdom.