some distance above, from which height they extend in different directions. It is difficult to believe that some of the large trees we see, sprung from small seeds; yet it is true that all trees started in this manner. The seeds are scattered about by birds and tempests, and falling on the soft ground, where they become covered with leaves and earth, they take root and grow. Thus the little acorn sprouts, and from it springs the sturdy oak, which is not only the noblest of trees, but lives hundreds of years. The trunks and branches of trees are protected by a covering called bark. This bark is thicker near the base or root of the tree than it is higher up among the branches. On some trees, the bark is very rough and shaggy looking, as on the oak, ash, walnut, and pine; on others, the bark is smooth, as on the beech, apple, and birch. Some trees live for only a few years, rapidly reaching their full growth, and rapidly decaying. The peach tree is one of this kind. Other trees live to a great age. An elm tree has been known to live for three huna chestnut tree, six hundred dred years; The baobab tree of Africa lives to be many hundred years old. There is a yew tree in England that is known to be over two thousand years old. The "big trees" of California are the largest in the world, although not of so great an age as some that have been mentioned. The tallest of these trees that has yet been discovered, measures over three hundred and fifty feet in height, and the distance around it near the ground is almost one hundred feet. The age of this tree must be between one thousand five hundred and two thousand years. Directions for Reading.-Let pupils pronounce in concert and singly, the following words: corn, stalks, important, form, tall, walnut, horses. In the fifth paragraph on page 199, why are some and others emphatic? Mark inflections of oak, ash, walnut, and pine; and of beech, apple, and birch. Language Lesson.-Place dis before each of the following words, and then give the meaning of each of the words so formed. appear covered able like believe We were sound asleep one night, when, about two hours before day, the snorting of our horses and lowing of our cattle, which were were ranging in the woods, sud-denly awoke us. I took my rifle and went to the door to see what beast had caused the hubbub, when I was struck by the glare of light reflected on all the trees before me, as far as I could see through the woods. My horses were leaping about, snorting loudly, and the cattle ran among them in great confusion. On going to the back of the house I plainly heard the crackling made by the burning brushwood, and saw the flames coming toward us in a far-extended line. I ran to the house, told my wife to dress herself and the child as quickly as possible, and take the little money we had, while I managed to catch and saddle two of the best horses. All this was done in a very short time, for I felt that every moment was precious to us. We then mounted our horses, and made off from the fire. My wife, who is an excellent rider, kept close to me; and my daughter, who was then a small child, I took in one arm. When making off, I looked back and saw that the frightful blaze was close upon us, and had already laid hold of the house. By good luck there was a horn attached to my hunting clothes, and I blew it, to bring after us, if possible, the remainder of my live stock, as well as the dogs. The cattle followed for a while; but before an hour had passed they all ran, as if mad, through the woods, and that was the last we saw of them. My dogs, too, although at all other times. easily managed, ran after the deer that in great numbers sprung before us as if fully aware of the death that was so rapidly approaching. We heard blasts from the horns of our neighbors as we proceeded, and knew that they were in the same unfortunate condition that we were in ourselves. Intent on striving to the utmost to preserve our lives, I thought of a large lake, some miles off, where the flames might possibly be checked, and we might find a place of safety. Urging my wife to whip up her horse, we set off at full speed, making the best way we could over the fallen trees and the brush heaps, which lay like so many articles placed on purpose to keep up the terrific fires that advanced with a broad front upon us. By this time we time we were suffering greatly from the effects of the heat, and we were afraid that our horses would be overcome and drop down at any moment. A singular kind of breeze was passing over our heads, and the glare of the burning trees shone more brightly than the daylight. I was sensible of a slight faintness, and my wife looked pale. |