and, helped by his brothers and sisters, watched the growth of the vegetables and flowers in the garden. Simon tended the sheep, which he would take daily to the fine meadows to nibble the grass, and in the evening carefully bring them home to their nice little shed that Strong-arm had built for them. Tom had care of the rabbits, and never forgot to give them fresh cabbage-leaves every day. William took care of the pigs, of which there were several little grunters, and they were never better pleased than when they fancied they had eluded his watchfulness, and tried to get in among Mark's vegetables; he also had charge of the good-natured cow. Lizzy, the eldest sister, milked the cow, and fed the cocks and hens, and gathered the new-laid eggs, so that she could have a number of them to put on the table for break fast every morning, and made the butter and fine cheeses; she also knew how to make bread, as also very light pies, puddings, and custards, and would often bake nice cakes for her brothers, which they had as a reward when they had done their work well. It was Harry's task to bring from the bubbling well, sweet water for his mother, brothers, and sisters. It was Jenny's duty to teach the younger children to read, and this she did with great patience and care-the youngest ones she taught by showing them nice picture books. The old woman was very industrious herself, and desired. that all her children should be so likewise, for she knew that, to be clever and useful when we grow up, we must begin to learn when we are young. I must not forget to mention the great dog, Grim, who watched the house, and kept off danger in the night by his loud barking. He always took his station by the Shoe, and guarded well the family in the darkness. A brave fellow he was, as was once shown, when a large savage wolf came out of the forest, and seized one of the little children by the frock. Grim ran at the hungry animal, and, not at all daunted, caught him by the throat, rolling him over on the ground. Strong-arm was near, and, rushing upon the wolf with his hatchet, at one blow killed it. After this, he hung up the skin on a tree, as a warning to all other hungry wolves who might come prowling that way. In the morning, when Strong-arm had gone into the forest, and when Mark was working in the garden, and while Simon and Peter were making baskets or tending the sheep, this little old lady would go forth to the younger children, to wash the clothes. she would have been as happy as her youngest children playing in the sunshine, were it not for one sad event. You will soon learn what this sad event was; meanwhile, I must tell you that, whenever the poor old lady thought of it—and that was very often-it caused her so much pain that she would be forced to leave her work, and go away to hide her grief brook, with all her The girls would go into the water and help their mother to wash, whilst Jack and Charlie would lay out the clothes to dry; when this was done, they were carefully folded and carried home in baskets by the boys; thus everything was done in an orderly and neat manner. Now, it was in this way the old lady spent her time, and in this way she ruled and taught her children. It is certain |