The Nursery, January 1873, Vol. XIII.

"Father soon landed in his boat; and then we all went back to the house and had breakfast. After breakfast we had a merry time at croquet, and then a still merrier time at foot-ball.

"As Kate will write her Cousin Mary all about the Christmas-tree, and the things that Santa Claus brought, I shall not touch on that subject. Now I hope, Cousin Richard, you have not forgotten your promise to write me."

Here were two little boys belonging to the same grand country,—one writing from the shore of the Pacific, where all was balm and sunshine on Christmas morning; and the other writing from the shore of the Atlantic, where it was cold enough to skate. What an idea does this give of the extent of our favored land, and the wonderful variety of its climates and its products!

Emily Carter.

WHY THE HORSES JUMPED OVERBOARD

There were two fine horses. Here is a picture of them. One was named Albion, and the other Erin. Albion was the white horse, of course; for the word "Albion" is derived from the Latin albus, white; and England got the name of Albion because of its white chalky cliffs by the sea.

Well, these two fine horses belonged to Mr. Ducrow, who kept a circus. They were on board a steamer bound for Newhaven in England. They had been out at sea several days; and they longed to have a frolic on the green land, and have a bite at some good crisp grass.

So, when they saw the land quite near, what did they do but leap overboard, and swim towards it! But the groom who took care of them sprang instantly after them, and kept swimming beside them, guiding and cheering them.

As soon as they got out of the water, and felt the green turf under them, they snorted and gambolled, and showed their joy in various ways. How nice the green grass must have tasted to them! and what fun it must have been to lie down and have a good roll on the ground!

Uncle Charles.

THE LADY BIRD

2 Spring is not coming yet;Why are you here?Insects don't come aboutThis time of year.Up the cold window-paneWhy do you roam?Lady-bird, lady-bird,Fly away home!3 Come when the flowers come,Come with the spring,Dear little lady-birdWith a red wing!In the cold winter-daysWhy wilt thou roam?Lady-bird, lady-bird,Fly away home.