night hours, which being at last spent, old mammy's call was heard at the door. "Wake up, chil'en! Wake up, dar! Granny Graybeard's pickin' de geeses dis mornin'." "Grandma," said he, at length, "do you | children sleep, and nothing knew of the silent remember the great snow-storm, when the L of the old house got lost in the drifts? Ha, ha! Got lost! Yes! Remember how we broke a road to mill? Took a dozen odd yoke of oxen, it did, — and dug the widow Beers's house out of the bank? Why, 'twas nigh twenty-five feet deep right afore her door, and "Yes, yes," said grandma, looking far away beyond the bright coals on the hearth, into the same dim past-land where grandpa's thoughts had been roaming. "That was the time I climbed out of the garret window to spread my linen a-bleaching on the top of the big drift. H'm! h'm, 'm!" "O, grandpa," interrupted little Mac, "do you think it will snow such a big storm tomorrow?" This brought the old man back to Alabama, and the year 1869. "Wee bit Jeannie" crept up to his knee, eager for the answer. "Why, hardly, little folks, seeing the ground's as soft as in summer time, and the mercury a long ways yet from freezingpoint." With this there seemed to settle a little spell on all the group. The light-wood blaze crackled and danced, and hurried up chimney; kitty told her dreams in long-drawn, gentle purrs, to which all seemed listening; but Malcolm, starting up so suddenly as to waken both grandpa and grandma om a charming doze, exclaimed, — "I wish I had been a little boy when you were, grandpa! Tell us what you used to do when the snow was so deep." This being a little incomprehensible to Jeannie, in her half-wakened state, the old nurse took her in her strong arms, and carried her to the window. "Dere, honey: see de fedders flyin'!" Jeannie saw them, and saw, besides, a troop of little negroes, running around in the storm, perfectly wild with delight, their woolly heads becoming gradually inore and more besprinkled with the feathery flakes. It was only a wonder how the flakes managed to light, the crazy black heads danced about so fast. More wonderful was it, for the same reason, that the open mouths, upturned to the sky, though ample indeed, entrapped any portion of the descending shower. Jeannie could scarcely wait to be dressed, so eager was she to join the frolic with the snowflakes. As for Mac, he was already equipped for battle with the big drifts which he confidently expected to see, and, armed with the fire-shovel, was on his way to grandpa's room to inquire the best way to begin. Merrily fell the snow; great flakes, worthy of New Hampshire, or Greenland itself, gamboling through the air, each in playful chase of its fellow. The tops of the hedges and the branches of the orange trees began to show tufts of white, like the opening pods of cotton, while a dainty cover of snow-crystals lay lightly on the smokehouse roof. But the ground, alas! presented a “O, we used to dig out forts and houses. discouragingly black appearance. The flakes and build towers upon them fell, and quickly disappeared, for the earth, "And what did the girls do?" interrupted though it did not open, swallowed them up. Jeannie. Half an hour passed. Old Granny Gray"O, they used to be our company, and come beard's flock seemed to be in no wise diminto visit us: didn't they, grandma?" ished as yet, and the fleece of "de geeses" fell as white as ever. "Yes, yes," said the old lady, "and carried our luncheon; and sometimes, you know, we played we were Esquimaux, and made sealmeat of our johnny-cake and doughnuts. H'm! I'm, 'm'm!" "H'm, h'm!" echoed grandpa. And then a silence fell again, save upon Malcolm and Jeannie, who, with busy whispers, were planning fair schemes for the morrow's amusement, in which snow-houses and imaginary seals figured conspicuously. And they went to bed with heads full of pleasant visions, fervently hoping, as they bade each other good night, that grandpa's bones were not mistaken this time. They slept as only A wagoner passed by, on his way to market. Through a fissure in the brim of his hat, a little drift had eddied and settled on the ends of his hair, while his whiskers bore a "right smart" sprinkling on their ample breadth. The mules now and then shook their long ears to loose their gathered burdens, and trotted on as if a snow-storm were an everyday event in their peaceful lives. In the yard, the poultry walked soberly round, forbearing their usual cackle, or, standing with one foot curled up among the feathers, cocked their heads one side, and cast a puzzled eye towards the heavens, specu lating apparently on the probable duration of this uncommon state of things. Another half hour went by, while Malcolm and Jeannie waited for the drifts to begin. "Here's where we'll build our fort," shouted Malcolm, having found a sheltered corner, where, on a bed of dry leaves, a handful of snow lay as yet unmelted. By dint of much scraping along the walks and ridges of the fences, they collected each a ball about as large as a good-sized orange. "These will do to begin with," they said, gayly; when, chancing to look up, they observed, to their dismay, that the storm had almost ceased. Smaller and smaller grew the flakes, fewer and farther between, till finally not a speck was discernible. The clouds cleared away. Out came the sun, provokingly clear and warm. Little by little the twigs lost their jaunty white caps; the hedge-rows were robbed of their tufted blossoms, and the dark roof-corners hid in vain their gathered treasures. The remorseless sun looked a little while on the earth, and all traces of the Snow King vanished. Even the precious balls, which Malcolm and Jeannie had hoarded as the foundation of their building enterprise, slowly melted away, although the coldest corner of the premises was sought out as the place of their deposit, and though tender eyes watched over them with an affection which would have kept them for ever. "A pretty day!" "A very pretty day!" said one neighbor to another, in passing. Industrious biddies resumed their "cut-cutca-da-cut;" grandpa went out and sowed peas in the hotbed; towards night the frogs came out in a rollicking chorus; and so ended the day, which was to have been to Malcolm and Jeannie a reproduced chapter of grandpa's early history, or a fragment of northern winter wherewith to enliven their own. Alas! their castles in the snow had been castles in air only. But how, pray, should they know what constitutes a snow-storm in Alabama? It is related of Marini, an Italian poet, that, at one time, he was so absorbed in revising a work of his as to suffer his leg to be burned for some time without any sensation. KISSING the hand is very ancient, as a part of religious worship. Among the Romans, persons who would not kiss their hands when they entered a temple were treated as atheists. "WHE STRIKING SEVEN. BY MRS. J. P. BALLARD. HEN I got on the street car to ride home from my shopping to-night, I noticed a gentleman beside me holding a large, square package in his hand." "What was in it?" asked Nellie. "How could she know?" interrupted Toy. "Was there anything curious about it?" "It was only a large package, wrapped in brown paper. I confess that I was just thinking what might be in it; for we all have a spice of Mother Eve's curiosity, I fear, at times. I was just thinking what might be in it, when it told me itself!" 66 Why, mother, a package speak!" said Nellie. "Of course not!" said Toy. "I suppose he must have had a bird or a kitten; but then it would have been in a basket, I should think." "Of course," said Nellie, assuming a little of her elder sister's superiority of manner; "of course a bird or a kitten wouldn't live long tied up in a brown paper parcel." "It was neither a bird nor a kitten," said their mother; "and yet it told me as plainly as any words could have done what it was." "And you did not see it?" asked Toy. "No; and it was nothing that had life." "O, how you puzzle us! I can never guess many years ago, and which took me by surprise as much as these seven unexpected strokes, on the car." "Tell us about it," said Toy. "Well, instead of being in a car, it was in the reception-room of a country hotel. There were several gentlemen and ladies of our party, who were on a short pleasure excursion; and, after dinner at the hotel, while waiting for the stage, and all pleasantly chatting together, a fine-looking, elderly gentleman came in and sat down by himself, in a distant part of the room, apparently occupied with the newspaper before him. One of our party, who was a young lawyer, and whose opinions with regard to the Bible were not very well fixed, was arguing that some things which are told us in God's book could not be true. No one else believing as he did, the discussion grew very animated. He would not believe that the sun stopped in the heavens at the command of Joshua, because 'he could not see how it could be done.' He would not believe the widow's meal and oil lasted her as long as the Bible says they did, because he could not see how it could be done.' He would not believe that the bitter waters, at Marah, were made sweet by throwing a branch of a tree into them, ⚫ because he could not see how such a thing could have that effect.' And so he went on naming several other things which he could never believe. "One of our party, who was a clergyman, then said, "Sir, excuse me for interrupting you, but can you tell me why a moolly cow has no horns?' "It was like a sudden explosion of gunpowder. He had not spoken before, and did not speak again; but the question was settled, amid peals of laughter, by a stroke more unexpected than the striking clock in the car. If the stranger had stopped to think, 'Now that is a very foolish young man, but I am not of their party, and it will be a breach of etiquette to appear to have noticed their conversation,' the apt remark would have been lost, and the good, which I am sure it did, lost also. But he was wound up to the time, and could not wait- he must strike." "I shall always think of that clock," said Toy, "if I am tempted to keep silent when I "Will you not then believe anything which ought to speak." you cannot understand?' "No, I will not,' was his quick reply. "I am sure," said Toy, "that even I can see and believe, and know some things which I do not understand." "You need not be forward or bold in doing this; but when the opportunity offers, if good can be done, do not be afraid to strike. I will give you a little verse to go as a hymn along with my sermon, and then we will be dis "And I too," said Nellie, who was not to missed: be left behind. "What is one, Toy?" asked her mother. Why, I see that a rose is red, and its stem and leaves, that grow right out of the same brown earth, are green. I have often thought it was very strange, but of course it's so." "That is a very good example," said Mrs. Asbury; and what is Nellie's?" "I can't see," said Nellie, "how that beauty little bird at Mr. Smith's store can sing, and turn its head, and move its eyes, and yet only be a pretend bird after all, and have to be wound up in its side or somewhere, just like a clock! And the pretend bear, in Mr. D—————s store, just growls and springs towards you, and holds his head on one side, and shows his white teeth; and he isn't a bear at all." "Be thou like the old apostles; Be thou like heroic Paul: If a free thought seek expression, THE tallest chimney in existence is said to be the one at the Port Dundas Works, Glasgow, Scotland. This chimney, one of the tallest masonry structures in the world, only two steeples in Europe exceed it in height,— is, reckoning from the foundation, four hundred and sixty-eight feet high; the height above the ground is four hundred and fifty four feet. away. THREE can keep a secret when two are ORIGINAL DIALOGUE. THE SCHOOLMASTER. CHARACTERS. TIMOTHY TULLYHORN, DR. PELLET, Members of School Committee; SAMUEL SIMPSON (alias WINTHROP GETCHELL PEABODY), Schoolmaster. SCENE. A Room, with chairs, tables, pens, paper, and ink. Enter SAMUEL SIMPSON, a well-dressed young man, with cane and carpet-bag. Samuel Simpson. Well, here I am! No more college studies for three months. Old Dartmouth left behind for the season, and a fine prospect of a pleasant winter teaching school in this village, and boarding, I suppose, at old Tullyhorn's, my father's friend; curious old fellow, rough, but likes a good joke; is "well off," as they say here, and has a daughter who will divide my attention with the school. On the whole, an agreeable prospect for the winter. Only I should have been here two days ago to have met the committee, and now it's Saturday. A joke if my sore throat has cost me the school! But what's this? (Sees a written notice on the door. Reads aloud.) "The school committee will meet in this room on Saturday afternoon, at three o'clock, to examine candidates for teach ing the school in District No. 5." Well, well (takes out his watch), here it is half past two and more, and they are to meet in this old tavern-parlor. (Meditates.) Don't understand it! Yes, I do; old “ Tully" is afraid I won't come, and this notice is to catch somebody else. I'll play a joke on him (looks out the window), and pretty quick too, for I see him coming. [Exit. Enter TULLYHORN and PELLET, both in an anxious state of mind, and sit down by the table. Tullyhorn. Singular! I say, doctor, never knew the young man to fail before; always prompt, like his father; he has made many an appointment to come to my house, and never was behind an hour. It's strange! and school must begin on Monday. (Walks about.) Pellet. Some one may turn up by three o'clock, and, if so, we'll examine him, and, may be, find a teacher just as good as this Sim Sampson. Tullyhorn. Samuel Simpson! Pellet. Well, Sam Simpson, then; whatever his name is don't matter, unless he puts Enter SAMUEL SIMPSON, disguised in a slouch hat, long, loose overcoat, large overshoes, and an old umbrella; walks up and down a few times, looking about in an awkward manner while he is thus employed. Tullyhorn. (Aside.) What do you make of him, doctor? Pellet. A candidate, I guess. Tullyhorn. But he won't do! Just look at him! But I say, doctor, we'll have some fun out of him, if we can keep our faces straight. (Speaks loud to SIMPSON.) - Good day, sir! - Simpson. It might be Balaam, but 'tain't; but if you're sot on knowing, they call me, down our way, Winthrop Getchell Peabody. Tullyhorn. What is your place of residence? Simpson. My what, sir? Tullyhorn. I merely wish to know where you live. Simpson. Why didn't you say so, if that's what you want to know? suppose can tell you. You've heern tell of Poplin Dracut, I s'pose. Tullyhorn and Pellet. O, yes, sir. Simpson. Little joke, you see! Wall, 'tain't there; but it's down to Hull, when I'm to hum. Pellet. (Trying to suppress laughter.) Mr. Getchell, how would you govern a school ? In these days of progress and reform the mind of the community has undergone a radical change in regard to the discipline of common schools, and we consider the faculty of government as one of the most important qualifications of a teacher. Simpson. Wal, 'tis. I govern a school by mortal influence. There's always some who don't care nothing for nobody nor nothing, and who don't care whether they larn nothing or not; and sich ones you can't get along with without licking on 'em some. I've never kept school afore, and I s'pose you'd like to know how I come to, this time. Wal, I'll tell you. I went down to aunt Sal's house, t'other day; and aunt Sal's got two prime pretty darters; and the way them gals put into me about my larnin' and all that, and how I ort to keep school, and all that, was a caution. So I thort I'd come up and get zamined, and get a stifercate, and then I shouldn't be skeered at any on 'em. Aunt Sal's oldest darter, Betsey, is goin' to be married in the spring; she's got all her fixin's ready, and got a likely feller too; and he's got his house built and his shed all shingled; and I shouldn't think strange if I should stood up at the weddin' with Tallyhorn. Well, never mind, sir, about aunt Sally's domestic arrangements; they have nothing to do with the examination; please to inform us to what studies you have at tended. Pellet. Your knowledge of philosophy appears to be very good and extensive; therefore we will examine you no more in that branch. What's arithmetic, Mr. Peabody? Simpson. Why, it's a book. Should think anybody might know that! Pellet. Into how many parts is arithmetic divided? or, in other words, what are the four fundamental rules? Simpson. 'Rithmetic is divided into four parts: adoption, distraction, monopolization, and diversion. Tullyhorn. What is addition? Simpson. If I should give you ten dollars, that would be addition; and if you should give me ten dollars, that would be addition t'other end up. Pellet. What is subtraction? - me Pellet. Yes, sir. What is vulgar fractions? Simpson. Guess that wan't in my book. Let see: vulgar means immodest don't it? and fractions means all shattered to pieces. O, I know now: it means when an immodest man is shattered to pieces. Pellet. What is the first thing you would do if asked to calculate an eclipse? Simpson. I'd decline, and that mighty sudden! Tullyhorn. You will now please to give your attention to grammar, as we consider that as among the most important studies, and one that has been very much neglected in our common schools. What is grammar? Simpson. I've studied almost everything. I've studied grammar, geometry, geography, 'rithentic, Sam Watts's hymns, and Molly Brown's geography, bolosophy, and a good many other books I hain't never seen yet. Besides all that, I am complete master of the Latin language. I will give you a specimen: Amo ridiculi ridiculo potatus sum Pellet. That'll do, sir. Will you inform us parts? what philosophy is? Simpson. The heavenly bodies is philosophy, and the airthly bodies is philosophy; and if there's a screw loose in the heavenly bodies, that's philosophy; and if there's a screw loose in the airthly bodies, that's philosophy. There's a good many kinds of philosophy. Tullyhorn. Very good, sir. itation? What is grav Simpson. It's what makes things come down. Tullyhorn. Who discovered gravitation? Simpson. Old Isaiah Newton down here. You know him. He was walking along under an apple tree, one day, and a tater fell down and hit him on the head, and that set him to thinking. Guess 'twould a sot me to thinking! Simpson. It's the science as what tells boys and girls how to write letters to each other, and talk pretty talk. Tullyhorn. Will you name the principal Simpson. Or-tho-graphy, et-y-mology, swinetax, and prorosody. Pellet. We will now parse a few words, for the purpose of seeing whether you fully understand this branch of education. In the sentence, "And the minister said to him,” parse minister. Simpson. Minister is a conjunction. Pellet. What reason can you give for that, sir? Simpson. 'Cause it jines together. Tullyhorn. In the sentence, "Shall, all the rest sit lingering here?" &c., parse shall. Simpson. Shell's a noun, a common noun, |