XXVIII.--GIOTTO'S CIRCLE. There once lived in Florence Italy, a famous artist named Giotto. Pope M Boniface wanted some frescoes painted on the walls of St. Peter's Church, Rome. A messenger was sent to get samples of Giotto's work. On the way the messenger stopped and obtained samples from other artists. When Giotto was asked, he seized a brush, dipped it into red paint, and drew so perfect a circle that it was a wonder. Handing it to the messenger, he said, "Here is my drawing." "Am I to have nothing but this?" "It is enough and to spare," said Giotto. And when the samples were shown, the wonderful circle caused its maker to be chosen to decorate the beautiful church. If I am not so large as you, You are not so small as I, And not half so spry; "I'll not deny you make A very pretty squirrel track; Talents differ; all are well and wisely put. If I cannot carry forests on my back, Neither can you crack a nut." nee'dles treas'ures robbers con tent ment crys' tal XXX. THE LITTLE PINE TREE. In a great forest grew a little pine tree. It looked around and saw the beautiful leaves of the maple and other trees. green "How ugly my long needles are," said the pine. So it sighed and cried until at last a little fairy came to it. She said, "What is the matter?" "Oh," moaned the little pine tree, "I wish I had gold needles!" It cried itself to sleep. When it awakened it found that it was covered with golden needles. How it shook its treasures! But its joy was short. That night robbers came to the forest and stripped the tree of all its riches. Then it moaned and sighed with every breeze and cried. The little fairy again came and said, "What is the matter now, little tree ?" Would that I had asked for glass leaves!" At last it fell asleep. When it awakened the sun was shining on its beau 66 tiful crystal leaves. But a storm came up. The wind blew and blew and broke every leaf. Then the pine tree asked that it might have leaves just like other trees. Its wish was granted. A goat and her little flock came into the forest that day. They saw the pine tree, and because it was small, the goats decided that its leaves would make a fine dinner. So they ate every leaf. How the little tree waved its branches then, and begged that it might have its old needles back again! It had learned the lesson of content; but it was too late. clothes Iris flax weaving flăx weaving linen jewels XXXI.-HULDAH. What is your name? Do Do you know what it means? Do Do you know any little girl named Huldah? Once people used to think there was a fair woman named Huldah who had charge of the weather. When the snow-flakes fell |