"Yes," said Fred.

"That is called a bay. Around every ocean, which is a much larger body of water, there are many such bays.

"The narrow strip of water, which a boat is just entering, is called a strait. The strait separates the island from the mainland."

Stretching far away to the east was flat, level land, which father called a plain. Scattered here and there were many farmhouses and quiet villages. Little bright, sparkling streams wound their way like silver threads through the green gra.s.s of the meadows. It was a lovely scene indeed!

The sun was already low in the west as we made ready to return. As it set--

A wonderful glory of color, A splendor of shifting light-- Orange and scarlet and purple Flamed in the sky so bright.

LESSON XXVIII.

SPRING.

Drops of rain and bits of sunshine Falling here and gleaming there, Tiny blades of gra.s.s appearing.

Tell of springtime bright and fair.

Budding leaves are gently swaying, Merry glad notes sweetly ring; Robins, bluebirds, gayly singing, Tell of happy, pleasant spring.

Violets, in blue and purple, By the twinkling water clear; Fair spring beauties, frail and dainty, Tell the story, spring is here.

Cherry, peach, and apple blossoms Scattering fragrance far and wide; b.u.t.tercups and pure white snowdrops Tell of gracious, sweet springtide.

Lillian c.o.x.

LESSON XXIX.

USEFUL VEGETABLES.

In the heart of a seed buried deep, so deep, A dear little plant lay fast asleep. "Wake!" said the sunshine, "and creep to the light."

"Wake!" said the voice of the raindrops bright.

The little plant heard, and it rose to see

What the wonderful outside world might be.

[Ill.u.s.tration: A SPROUT.]

What vegetables grow in your neighborhood?

[Ill.u.s.tration: A VINE BEGINNING TO GROW.]

Of which do we use the roots as food? Of which the leaves? Of which the seeds? Of which the stems or stalks?

Which is the most useful garden vegetable? There is no common garden vegetable so highly thought of as the potato. How are potatoes planted?

Answer the questions in writing so as to make a little composition about vegetables.

LESSON x.x.x.

USEFUL GRAINS.

Wheat and corn are called grain because they are small, hard seeds What other kinds of grain can you name?

[Ill.u.s.tration; RIPE WHEAT.]

Which of these grains is used the most? Which makes the choicest flour?

Some kinds of wheat are sown in the spring. These are called spring wheat.

Winter wheat is sown in the fall. A few days of sun and rain, and the plants spring up like gra.s.s, remaining green through the winter.

What color does the wheat turn as it ripens? When it is ripe what is done with it?

For what is the flour of wheat used?

[Ill.u.s.tration: HARVESTING WHEAT IN THE WEST.]

What is sometimes done with the stalks, or straw?

Indian corn is one of the most useful of plants. Do you know why it is called Indian corn? It is because the Indians first raised it.

When is corn planted? How is the land prepared for planting? What is done to the corn while the plants are small? When does it ripen? How tall does it grow?

[Ill.u.s.tration: SEVERAL KINDS OF GRAIN.]

What is the stem of the corn called? What are the flowers on the stalk of corn called? On what do the grains of corn grow?

What use is made of the green stalks and leaves? What use is made of the ripe grain? For what are corn-husks largely used?

Sweet corn, if boiled when green, is an excellent vegetable. It is preserved by canning.

A large cornfield, with its tall, straight stalks, covered with green shining leaves and crowned by flowers, is a very pleasant sight.

[Ill.u.s.tration: "ANOTHER GRAIN WHICH WE FIND ON ALMOST EVERY TABLE."]

Corn is sometimes called the national emblem. What does emblem mean?