["THE SWEETEST MOTHER."]
BY MRS. M. E. SANGSTER.
Little Hans was helping mother
Carry home the lady's basket;
Chubby hands of course were lifting
One great handle—can you ask it?
As he tugged away beside her,
Feeling oh! so brave and strong,
Little Hans was softly singing
To himself a little song.
"Some time I'll be tall as father,
Though I think it's very funny,
And I'll work and build big houses,
And give mother all the money.
For," and little Hans stopped singing,
Feeling, oh! so strong and grand,
"I have got the sweetest mother
You can find in all the land."
[DO BIRDS KNOW THEIR OLD HOMES?]
BY EESUNG EYLISS.
Look on your map for the Sierra Nevada, the range of mountains between California and Nevada. On the east side of them you will find Owen's River, running south through a beautiful valley of the same name. On each side of this valley rises a lofty mountain range. The White Mountains at the north end of the valley end somewhat suddenly in what is called White Mountain Peak, more than thirteen thousand feet high.
It was in the valley at the foot of this grand mountain that I saw the curious scene which I wish to describe to you, and which makes me think that birds do know their old homes, and that they are ready to fight for their rights.