trees and the goodly trees raised each a lofty head,
In glad and secret confidence, tho’ not a word they said,
But one, the baby of the band, could not restrain a sigh:
“You all will be approved,” said he, “but oh, what chance have I?”

“I am so small, so very small, no one will mark or know
How thick and green my needles are, how true my branches grow;
Few toys or candles could I hold, but heart and will are free,
And in my heart of hearts I know I am a Christmas-tree.”

The children told of the woodman who took his axe and started in search of a tree for his baby at home; of the delight of the little tree at being chosen, and of the joy of the little daughter when she saw it arrayed and holding her Christmas gifts. The accompanying drawing will serve as an illustration for this story or as a sketch of the forest in winter.

Plate 16. In this sketch use the strokes suggested for illustrations No. 13, Plate 5, and No. 22, Plate 10. Use the side of the chalk, hardly touching the board and keeping the drawing very gray. Accent with a strong pressure the parts representing snow.

This is but one suggestion. There is the inevitable Christmas tree with the toys and gifts, Santa Claus bearing his bundle of gifts or going down the chimney, and the fireplace with the stockings, all of which are quickly drawn in the manner given in previous sketches.

Washington’s birthday brings to mind the stories of his life, and pictures may be found illustrating these incidents. One or two which all may see and discuss will prove valuable.

Plate 17 will show a few drawings which have been used to advantage.

A. Near Washington’s Birthplace.
B. Mt. Vernon.
C. An old Stage Coach.

In these sketches the strokes used are evident.

Again, Patriots’ Day and Memorial Day present many ideas in regard to blackboard drawing and decoration. Some of these illustrations are deplorable. I well remember one schoolroom which I visited and the drawings which were upon the boards. On one side was a sketch of a pyramid of cannon balls, next, several guns stacked, then two swords crossed at right angles. On another side was a cannon, a wreath of some sort around the stenciled portrait of a dead hero, a tombstone with an inscription, and so on about the room, everything suggesting war, misery, bloodshed, and death.

Can we not find something other than such illustrations, and bring to the thought of the children love of home and country, and a reverence for those who gave their lives for their protection?

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I have seen Plate 18 used in a schoolroom and feel sure it performed its mission.

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