among the topmost branches of the trees? Picturesque as it is, it is much more to be admired as the subject for a sketch, than as a place of abode, for the thatched roof is old and uneven, the rooms are small and dark, and the whole tenement would be better for repair; the very rabbit-pens are in crazy keeping with the cottage, and the bee-hives in the garden look as if a blast would blow them down. But the country girl! the country girl!

The country girl, in coarse clothing, filling her pitcher, there, at the brook, suits the scene better than if she were gaily attired. Like the rest of the world, she lightly values the blessings she enjoys. What is within our reach is too common-place to be estimated highly; she thinks not of the pure and healthy air she breathes, nor knows she the worth of the clear, fresh, tasteless water in which she is dipping her pitcher. Those who are pent up in the smoky city know the worth of these things. Mankind are unlike the fox in the fable, who called the grapes sour which he could not reach. Had a man been in Reynard's situation, he would have ranked the unattainable clusters as among the choicest fruit of the vintage. After all, however, the undervaluing of the grapes on the part of Reynard was only assumed, so that men and foxes are more alike than I at first imagined.

But again I am wandering from the country girl, who is well worthy our best regard, for Sarah Cummins is a praiseworthy character, and young and small in stature as she is, think not that she is a cipher in her father's cottage. Even now its comforts depend much on her care, for her parents are away at work in the fields, and she is left in charge of the younger children.

What mischief might not ensue in that humble abode, were it not for Sarah's superintendence! She has left the

baby asleep in the cradle, and invested a younger sister with brief authority over the household, whilst she is gone forth to fill the water-pitcher, but she will resume her rank the instant she returns to the dwelling, for she is somewhat proud of power, though she does not abuse it, and assumes her mother's manners when the cottage is left to her care.

Her parents feel little anxiety about their children while away, for they know that Sarah will see to everything, and prevent accidents from falls or fire. She began to practise so early, that she is likely to become an adept in domestic duties; as it is, she can cook coarse dishes, and already is she promised a place at the squire's when old enough to take it. This will give a wide field for fresh acquirements. But the cottage roof does not cover her skill, for, now and then she toils with her mother in the fields, and twice has she attended market at the neighbouring town. Besides all this, Sarah learns at the Sunday school what her parents cannot teach her. Though her father sings rude songs, she carols sweet hymns; though he spells old newspapers borrowed from the public-house, she reads her Testament and little books lent by her teachers. Her mother listens when she reads, and her father does not oppose it, having sense enough to see that such exercises are good for his child. Even in his cups has he been heard to boast that "Sally is a sober lass, and given to goodly ways."

There are three or four pictures against the cottage walls, but Sarah's sampler is worth them all put together. It hangs opposite the window, and is, like other cottage samplers, profusely adorned with green fir-trees, parrots with twin cherries in their beaks, and a scroll border. Nor is Sarah without her jewels, though that name will rather apply to the store she sets by them, than to the value of the simple articles themselves. Among these is a small

enamelled box an inch and a half long, with the well-known distich thereon,

"The gift is small,

But friendship's all."

This box contains a very shabby pair of gilt ear-rings, and Sarah thinks it not altogether impossible that she may one day wear them. There is also a green smelling-bottle, sundry bits of lace, ribbon, and black satin, a shilling of very doubtful character, a new penny, and a crooked sixpence, besides a pincushion, needle-case, and silver thimble.

Sarah is certainly notable as a workwoman, but yet, after all, she is fond of a little trifling. Three times, while I have been peeping at her, has she held up her full pitcher on high, to empty it playfully into the brook, watching the sil very descending stream, and enjoying the light below in the agitated waters; and twice has she set down her jug to throw a pebble-stone at a water-rat under the roots on the bank of the stream. At length the cares of the cottage call her away. She has once more filled her pitcher, and is now hastening back to her domestic duties, with one arm stretched out towards the horizon, by way of counterpoise, while the other is borne down by the weight of her heavy jug.

CHAPTER III.

COUNTRY RIDES AND DRIVES.

Delights of riding and driving in the country.-The wooded hill-the open common-the shady avenue.-High banks-hedges-and green pastures.-The blackbird, hare, and pheasant.-The windmill.-The miller. The mishap.-The countryman.-The errand woman.—The group of children.-The shower.-The public-house. The pot-house.— The setting sun.

HOW pleasant are country rides and drives, and what de

lightful country pickings they set before you! Freed from the dust and pebbles below you, and from all the fatigues and vexations of the turnpike-road pedestrian, you luxuriate in the prospects far and near. Standing up in your gig, or if on horseback in your stirrups, you peep over hedges and walls, and into farm-yards and interesting places, with which those who trudge it have no chance of becoming acquainted; now slowly ascending the wooded hill, or steep ascent to the open common, and now dashing along the level road under the shady avenue at full speed, doubting not that your horse, and almost including your gig also, is as happy as yourself. Who does not like country rides?

There is life, animation, and excitement in the spirited courage of your horse, and in the rapid whirling of your gig wheels. However far you have to go, you arrive at your destination pleased and delighted, the very pink of perfection and wall-flower of content, fresher than when you set