COMMODORE PERRY'S SHIPS IN THE BAY OF JEDDO.
The Japan Diplomatic Expedition consisted of a squadron of seven vessels, commanded by Commodore M. G. Perry. Its business was to carry a letter to the Emperor of Japan from the President of the United States, who asked him to open his sea-ports to American commerce. The expedition sailed in the fall of 1852, and reached Japan in 1853. Perry was met on the bosom of the bay of Jeddo, in which his squadron had anchored, by high officials in the Emperor's state barges, and to them the object of the expedition was made known. The Japanese were astonished, for they had never seen a steam-ship. After several months' consideration the Emperor agreed to the President's request, and in 1860 he sent an embassy to the United States. Ever since then there has been free intercourse between the two nations.
[to be continued.]
"I AM THE LAD THAT FOLLOWS THE PLOUGH."
BY MARY A. BARR.
I am the lad that follows the plough—
Robin and Thrush just whistle for me—
In a hickory suit that's pretty well worn
I go to the field at early morn,
I help to scatter the golden corn—
Robin and Thrush just whistle for me.
Out in the meadows and woods and lanes—
Robin and Thrush just whistle for me—
I watch the sheep and the lambs at play;
When the grass is high I toss the hay;
There isn't a boy in the world so gay—
Robin and Thrush just whistle for me.
I go with father to shear the sheep—
Robin and Thrush just whistle for me—
I fodder the cattle, the mangers fill,
I drive a team, I go to the mill,
I milk the cows with a right good will—
Robin and Thrush just whistle for me.
I help the peaches and plums to save—
Robin and Thrush just whistle for me—
For I am the boy can climb a tree;
There isn't an apple too high for me,
There isn't a nut that I can't see—
Robin and Thrush just whistle for me.
When I am a man I'll own a farm—
Robin and Thrush just whistle for me—
Horses and sheep and many a cow,
Stacks of wheat, and a barley mow;
I'll be a farmer and follow the plough:
Robin and Thrush shall whistle for me.
'Tis better to stand in the golden corn—
Robin and Thrush just whistle for me—
To toss the hay on the breezy lea,
To pluck the fruit on the orchard tree,
Than roam about on the restless sea:
So, sailor-boy, I'll follow the plough.
'Tis better to hear the wild birds sing,
Robin and Thrush on the apple bough—
'Tis better to have a farm and a wife,
And lead a busy, peaceable life,
Than march to the noisy drum and fife:
So, soldier-boy, I'll follow the plough.