beech tree has sprung from the squirrel’s buried store of acorns and beech nuts. For, as I have already told you, sometimes he forgets where he has buried them, or perhaps fails to find them when the forest is white with snow. So, you see, the little animal is of some use after all.”

Questions and Exercises.

1. The squirrel has chisel-shaped teeth suited for gnawing. Name other animals of the same kind.

2. The squirrel’s bushy tail is of great use to him. Why?

3. Make a list of our wild animals (1) which sleep through the winter, and (2) which store up food for winter.

VII.—HOW THE FIRE BURNS.

It was a cold wet day—so cold and wet that neither Dolly nor her brothers could venture out. They had grown tired of reading books and drawing pictures, and were indeed feeling very dull. They sat looking at the bright fire. Uncle George laid down his paper and said:

“Come, let us have a lesson. What shall it be? The rain? The cat? Or shall it be the cosy fireside?”

“The fire,” said Frank. “Tell us why the fire burns, Uncle George!”

“I will,” said cheery Uncle George. “Just wait until I get some things from the kitchen. Come along, boys.”

When Uncle George and the boys came back to the room, they brought a lot of curious articles with them. These were an empty pickle-bottle, a small saucer, a glass bell-jar, a large dish, a piece of candle, some tacks, and a taper.