THE BROWNIES CANOEING.
| s day in shades of evening sank, The Brownies reached a river bank; And there awhile stood gazing down At students from a neighboring town, |
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Whose light canoes charmed every eye, As one by one they floated by. Said one, "We'll follow, as they go, Until they gain the point below. |
| There stands a house, but lately made, Wherein the club's effects are laid; We'll take possession after dark, And in these strange affairs embark." |
 | They all declared, at any cost, A chance like this should ne'er be lost; And keeping well the men in sight They followed closely as they might. The moon was climbing o'er the hill, The owl was hooting by the mill, When from the building on the sands The boats were shoved with willing hands. A "Shadow" model some explored, And then well-pleased they rushed on board; The open "Peterboro'," too, Found its supporters—and a crew. The Indian "Birch-bark" seemed too frail And lacked the adjunct of a sail, Yet of a load it did not fail,— For all the boats were in demand; As well those which with skill were planned |  |
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By men of keenest judgment ripe,
As those of humbler, home-made type.
And soon away sailed all the fleet
With every Brownie in his seat.
