very day for a month of Sundays,

Saturdays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Mondays,

Jack had pondered the various means

And methods pertaining to grinding machines,

Until he was sure he could build a wheel

That, given the sort of dam that's proper,

Would only need some corn in the hopper

To turn out very respectable meal.


Jerry and Jane and Jo, and the others,

Jack's incredulous sisters and brothers,

Gave him credit for good intentions,

But took no stock in the boy's inventions.

In fact they laughed them quite to scorn;

Instead of wasting his time, they said,

He would be more likely to earn his bread

Planting potatoes or hoeing corn!


Bessie alone, when all the rest

Crushed his spirit with gibe and jest,

Whispered softly, "Whatever they say,

I know you will build the wheel some day!"

Chirping crickets and singing birds

Were not so sweet as her heartsome words;

Straight he answered, "If ever I do,

I know it will only be thanks to you!"


Many a time sore heart and brain

Leap at a word, grown strong again.

Thanks to her, as the story goes,

Hope and courage in Jack arose;

Till one bright day in the meadow-brook

There was heard a sound as of water plashing,

And Bessie watched with her happy look

The little wheel in the sunlight flashing.


By and by as the years were fraught

With fruit of his earnest toil and thought,

Brothers and sisters changed their tune,—

"Our Jack," they cried, "will be famous soon!"

Which was nothing more than Bessie knew,

She said, and had known it all the while!

But Jack replied with a kiss and a smile,

"If ever I am, it is thanks to you!"

[HOW BIRDS FLY.]

By Prof. W.K. Brooks.

In our last talk about birds (in St. Nicholas for July), I told you about birds and their nests. Now I wish to say, first, a few words about the different kinds of birds, and then we will see how birds manage to fly. Naturalists have divided the class, birds, into several smaller groups which are called orders. One of these includes the birds of prey, such as the hawks, eagles, and owls. In the picture of a bird of prey you can see the strong, hooked bill and powerful claws, which are well fitted for seizing and tearing its prey.

The second order includes the climbing birds, such as the woodpeckers. The birds of this order can readily be recognized, since two of the toes of each foot point backward, to give support in climbing.